Friday, October 31, 2014

News Clippings 10/31 14

10/31/14



State


Hancock Co. beaches are about to get a major face lift

WLOX


HANCOCK COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -Hancock County's sand beach is about to undergo
a $1 million transformation. Sand that washed away from the shoreline
during Hurricane Isaac will be replaced.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27170523/hancock-co-beaches-are-about-to-get-a-major-face-lift




Long Beach land owners raise concerns about canal project

WLOX


LONG BEACH, MS (WLOX) -Some Long Beach land owners are raising concerns
about plans to widen a major drainage canal. The Long Beach Water
Management District is currently seeking easements to proceed with the
project, but some residents worry about the impact of that widening work.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27169816/long-beach-land-owners-raise-concerns-about-canal-project





DMR heads 'ran it like they owned it' former employee told judge
Sun Herald

BY ANITA LEE




BILOXI -- He did not name names, but when Kerwin Cuevas pleaded guilty

Thursday morning to embezzlement in state court, he said the people in

charge at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources "ran it like they

owned it."

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/30/5884657_former-dmr-employee-kerwin-cuevas.html?sp=/99/100/&rh=1




Oil Spill





ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS SAY GULF ECOSYSTEM, ECONOMY ARE LINKED

MPB


With hundreds of millions of dollars in oil spill restoration money soon
flowing to Mississippi, environmental advocates are working hard to show
the economic importance of a healthy ecosystem. MPB'S Evelina Burnett was
in Jackson County this week when tourism leaders got a firsthand look.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2014/10/31/environmental-groups-say-gulf-ecosystem-economy-are-linked/





NOAA establishes 10 priorities for restoring Gulf of Mexico

Houston Chronicle


From the aftermath of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill has come a
funding source to plan for longterm survival of the Gulf of Mexico's
ecosystem and communities that depend upon it.
http://www.chron.com/news/science-environment/article/It-s-not-too-late-Add-your-thoughts-to-NOAA-s-5858908.php





BP brings new evidence in bid to oust oil spill claims administrator

Jennifer Larino

The Times-Picayune

October 30, 2014 at 8:06 PM



BP is pushing harder in its campaign to remove Patrick Juneau from his post

overseeing oil spill claims payments, presenting records the oil giant says

prove the Lafayette attorney is not fit to run the program.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/10/bp_reveals_new_evidence_in_bid.html





National





Hagel: 'Climate change presents security issues' for US
The Hill




Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said "climate change presents security
issues" for the U.S., but that the Pentagon may be in a good position to
help convince policymakers and people to take it more seriously.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/222361-hagel-climate-change-presents-security-issues-for-us





Oil lobby: Fracking saved Americans $248 billion last year
The Hill




Hydraulic fracturing saved Americans almost $250 billion last year,
according to a report issued by the oil and gas industry Thursday as part
of a move to ratchet up the fight against looming regulations meant to
restrict "fracking."
http://thehill.com/regulation/energy-environment/222335-oil-lobby-fracking-saved-americans-248-billion-last-year




As Infrastructure Crumbles, Trillions Of Gallons Of Water Lost


NPR


Imagine Manhattan under almost 300 feet of water. Not water from a
hurricane or a tsunami, but purified drinking water — 2.1 trillion gallons
of it.
http://www.npr.org/2014/10/29/359875321/as-infrastructure-crumbles-trillions-of-gallons-of-water-lost





History of U.S. biofuel mandate provides opening for legal challenge
Reuters


Thu, Oct 30 2014


By Ayesha Rascoe

WASHINGTON, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Probable legal challenges to proposed cuts
in the 2014 U.S. biofuel mandate could focus on a two-word phrase dropped
from the U.S. law establishing the renewable fuel program back in 2005:
distribution capacity.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/30/usa-biofuels-idUSL1N0SP1L820141030





Environmental Groups Back Some Candidates Who Resist Goals

The Aim Is to Maintain Democratic Control of the Senate


Wall Street Journal


By AMY HARDER and BETH REINHARD


Oct. 30, 2014 7:31 p.m. ET


Environmental groups are spending a record amount of money for a midterm


election, with the goal of keeping the Senate out of Republican hands. But


in the process, they are backing Democrats who oppose some of the


environmentalists' top goals, including stopping the Keystone XL pipeline


and curbing fracking for oil and natural gas.


http://online.wsj.com/articles/environmental-groups-back-some-candidates-who-resist-goals-1414711866






Parched Cities Share Water in West

Longstanding Rivals Phoenix and Tucson, Hit by Drought, Stop Going It Alone


Wall Street Journal


By JIM CARLTON


Oct. 30, 2014 7:30 p.m. ET


PHOENIX—A recent agreement by this city and Tucson, Ariz., highlights a


growing trend in the drought-plagued Southwest: water agencies sharing


resources to stretch limited supplies rather than going it alone.




http://online.wsj.com/articles/parched-cities-share-water-in-west-1414711838






Opinion





EPA's Clean Power Plan encourages expansion of fracking

By Elizabeth Glass Geltman, contributor
The Hill




Recently, Republican Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and Rep. Darrell Issa
(R-Calif.) began an inquiryinto whether the Natural Resources Defense
Council (NRDC) had unlawful participation in Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) rule-makings, including the proposed Clean Power Plan.
http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/222398-epas-clean-power-plan-encourages-expansion-of-fracking

Thursday, October 30, 2014

News Clippings 10/30/14

10/30/14



State





Greenville urges brownfields testing
The Associated Press



GREENVILLE, MISS. — The city of Greenville has $400,000 for environmental

contamination assessments on vacant and underutilized properties.

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/30/5884229/greenville-urges-brownfields-testing.html?sp=/99/184/218/



Wastewater project timetabled for Feb. 2015
Lee County Courier
By C. Richard Cotton
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 2:00 PM CDT


Work is well underway on the new Sand Creek Wastewater Authority pipeline
between Guntown and Saltillo. Since the first bucketful of dirt was removed
September 25 to install the four miles of 12-inch diameter pipe, less than
a mile remains to be buried.
http://www.leecountycourier.net/articles/2014/10/29/news/doc545139177570e238678516.txt







DeSoto, Tate kids trek into enviro-fun at annual Field Day




Commercial Appeal
Henry Bailey Jr.

"Excuse me, do you have an alligator in that truck?" asked Kaley Cassey, an


11-year-old fifth-grader at Sacred Heart School in Southaven.




It was a natural question directed Wednesday to Deborah Waz, conservation


educator with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, one some two-dozen


exhibitors at the annual Conservation Field Day learning experience at


Arkabutla Lake.


http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/desoto-tate-kids-trek-into-envirofun-at-annual-field-day_49238948








Oil Spill






Federal agencies join to bolster Gulf of Mexico ecosystem after 2010 oil
spill

Southeast Farm Press
Farm Press Staff
Wed, 2014-10-29

A new partnership between federal agencies looks to invest more money into

the restoration of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in response to impacts as a

result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.

http://southeastfarmpress.com/government/federal-agencies-join-bolster-gulf-mexico-ecosystem-after-2010-oil-spill







Disaster's Toll on the Gulf and Its People


'The Great Invisible,' on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill


NY Times Movie Review



"The Great Invisible," Margaret Brown's quietly infuriating documentary

filmabout the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, includes depressing

information that many would probably be happier not knowing.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/29/movies/the-great-invisible-on-the-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill.html?referrer=&_r=0






National





Oil lobby: EPA refinery rule would increase emissions
The Hill




The American Petroleum Institute (API) says the Environmental Protection
Agency's proposed refinery rule would be "infeasible" to comply with and
could actually increase pollution.
http://thehill.com/regulation/222270-oil-companies-complain-about-pollution-rules-for-refineries





House to vote on bill requiring EPA to share scientific basis for
regulations
The Hill




The House will vote on legislation preventing the Environmental Protection
Agency from issuing regulations, unless all scientific data to support
implementation is publicly available.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/222173-house-to-vote-on-bill-requiring-epa-to-share-scientific-basis-for





Survey: Shrimp in US rife with murky labeling
BY CAIN BURDEAU

Associated Press



NEW ORLEANS — Consumers around the nation can't be sure what kind of shrimp

they're buying if they simply look at the label or menu at supermarkets,

grocers and restaurants, an advocacy group says.

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/30/5884223/survey-shrimp-in-us-rife-with.html?sp=/99/102/





Opinion





Heather McTeer Toney: Climate change offers opportunity


Tallahassee Democrat


Re: "EPA's Clean Power Plan would hurt our state" (My View, Oct.

27).



Forty years ago, scientists at the University of California

uncovered a global threat. From deodorants to refrigerators,

chemicals in our everyday lives were destroying our ozone layer —

Earth's natural shield against the sun's cancer-causing radiation.



http://www.tallahassee.com/story/opinion/columnists/2014/10/28/heather-mcteer-toney-climate-change-offers-opportunity/18076281/





Press Releases





NRCS Accepting Applications from Mississippi Farmers and Ranchers
for Key Conservation Program

JACKSON, MS, Oct. 29, 2014 -The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications to
help producers improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve
grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, and
achieve other environmental benefits.

NRCS has directed millions of dollars in financial assistance for Fiscal
Year 2015 to help Mississippi producers implement conservation practices
through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Interested
producers should visit their local NRCS office for information on EQIP
sign-up periods.

"The Environmental Quality Incentives Program offers farmers, ranchers and
forestland managers a variety of options to conserve natural resources,
while boosting production on their lands," State Conservationist, Kurt
Readus said. "This conservation investment helps improve environmental
health and the economy of Mississippi rural communities."

EQIP provides financial assistance for a variety of conservation
activities, such as irrigation water management, reduced tillage, field
buffers, rotational grazing systems and much more. NRCS accepts
applications on a continuous basis; however dates are set for ranking
applications. The deadline for accepting applications to be considered in
the first ranking period in Mississippi is November 21, 2014. The next
deadline for accepting applications for ranking is scheduled for February
20, 2015, pending available funding.

To participate in EQIP, an applicant must be an individual, entity or joint
operation that meets EQIP eligibility criteria. Applicants can sign up at
their local NRCS office.

For more information about EQIP or other technical or financial assistance
programs offered by NRCS, please contact your local USDA service center at
http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America's
farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation's soil, water, air and other
natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based
solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment.

Follow NRCS on Twitter. Check out other conservation-related stories on the
USDA blog. Watch videos on our YouTube channel.
#






Ridgeland Adds CNG-Fueled Vehicles to Public Works Fleet
The city of Ridgeland has long has a reputation for being environmentally
friendly, implementing a management plan to ensure stewardship of the
environment and natural resources that can be enjoyed now and by future
generations.


Utilizing alternative fuels in its fleet is one way the city is continuing
its environmental management efforts. Mayor Gene McGee said, "We look at
programs that are not only environmentally friendly, but also make sense
for the city and help improve our residents' quality of life."


The city recently added compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled vehicles to its
public works fleet. CNG is a cleaner burning fuel that reduces tail pipe
emissions and extends the life of an engine. It also does not contain
impurities such as sulfur or lead.


Public Works Director Mike McCollum said Ridgeland now has two CNG-fueled
Ford F-550 trucks with plans to convert an F-150 next year. "The
environmental benefits combined with fuel cost savings led to our decision
to begin using alternative fuel vehicles," said McGee.


"We looked at converting other vehicles like the Mayor's, but didn't find
it economically feasible," said McCollum. "Unless you're putting 15 to 20
thousand miles on a vehicle annually, then it's unlikely you'll recoup the
conversion costs."


McCollum said that the CNG-fueled trucks see daily use by city work crews.
"These trucks are used for everything from infrastructure repairs to road
maintenance to landscaping. "Knowing that their engine emissions are less
and we're saving on fuel costs – well that's great news for Ridgeland" said
McGee.


The city utilized a Mississippi company, NGV Solutions, to install the
vehicle conversion kits. Kent Meadows, vice president of NGV Solutions,
said the company is dedicated to working with Mississippi cities and
agencies to provide CNG technology and fuel savings. "The folks in
Ridgeland are very knowledgeable about the benefits of using CNG fuels and
technology," said Meadows. "CNG is the cleanest fuel being used today.
Hopefully, other cities will follow suit and begin adding green technology
to their vehicle fleets."


McCollum said future plans for Ridgeland could include installing a
slow-fill CNG fueling station, if demand or usage makes it economically
feasible.
http://www.ridgelandms.org/ridgeland-adds-cng-fueled-vehicles-to-public-works-fleet/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=Leadify







Public comments sought on RESTORE Act draft NOAA
science plan

Long-term priorities for Gulf of Mexico ecosystem research detailed


October 29, 2014






NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program research will focused on the health of the

Gulf of Mexico whose resources, such as these salt marshes near Grand Isle,

LA, were impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. (Credit: NOAA)

Today, NOAA released for public comment the draft science plan for the NOAA

RESTORE Act Science Program, which supports research in the Gulf of Mexico

on long-term sustainability of the ecosystem and its fisheries.



The draft plan, of which notice be to published appears on line today at

the Federal Register, outlines 10 long-term research priorities to guide

how the program will invest its funds and explains how these priorities

were determined. The program will review the comments received and

anticipates releasing a final version of the science plan early next year.



"The priorities in the draft plan were developed after discussions with

stakeholders and partners and continued input from stakeholders is

important to the success of this plan," said Becky Allee, Ph.D., acting

director of the NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program. "We look forward to

continued dialogue with those who care about the Gulf of Mexico and the

impact this program can have on the region."



In making its selection of long-term research priorities, NOAA considered

specific management or restoration needs in the Gulf of Mexico region that

fit within the requirements for the science program outlined in the RESTORE

Act, also known as the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist

Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act.



NOAA also sought to avoid duplicating the priorities of other Gulf of

Mexico science programs especially those created in the wake of the

Deepwater Horizon oil spill, such as the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative

, the National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program and those funded

through the on-going Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment.



Among the key research priorities:



· Addressing the needs of fisheries and other natural resource managers

with ready to use models, decision support tools and new monitoring

technologies;



· Focusing on developing a more complete understanding of how the

waters of the Gulf of Mexico, its natural resources, including

fisheries, and its coastal communities are connected;



· Seeking to improve the capacity to predict the impact of climate

change and severe weather on the Gulf of Mexico and its natural

resources; and



· Recognizing the importance of developing indicators for measuring the

long-term status and health of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem including

fisheries.



The plan also provides information on how the program will be administered

and work with partners. Once finalized, the science plan will serve as the

basis for any future federal funding opportunities administered through

NOAA. NOAA anticipates that the final science plan and its long-term

research priorities will be evaluated and updated every five years.



Anyone may submit comments, including individuals and organizations with a

particular interest in Gulf of Mexico ecosystem restoration and related

science, observations, monitoring and technology, and the impact this

program will have on the region. Comments on the draft science plan can be

submitted via email tonoaarestorescience@noaa.gov, or by mail to Becky

Allee at NOAA Office for Coastal Management, Gulf of Mexico Division, Bldg.

1100, Room 232, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529. All comments are due no

later than December 15.



NOAA will also be hosting virtual engagement sessions to answer questions

about the plan. The details on how to join these sessions will be announced

on the program's website. Following the comment period, NOAA will assess

the input received and release a final version of the science plan, likely

in early 2015.



The RESTORE Act authorized NOAA to establish and administer the Gulf Coast

Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology

Program, also known as the NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program.



The NOAA program will be funded by 2.5 percent of the Gulf Coast

Restoration Trust Fund, established by the RESTORE Act, which comprises 80

percent of Clean Water Act civil penalties recovered from parties

responsible for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. On February 19, 2013, a

federal judge approved a $1 billion civil settlement with Transocean, as a

responsible party for the oil spill. This settlement will provide the NOAA

Restore Act Science Program with $20 million plus 25 percent of any

interest accrued from the portion of the settlement deposited into the

Trust Fund.



Additional funding may become available from settlements with or judgments

against other parties deemed responsible by the courts for the Deepwater

Horizon oil spill.



The mission of the NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program is to increase

understanding of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, including its fisheries, and

to support its restoration and sustainability through research,

observation, monitoring, and technology development.






|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| USDA to Provide $4 million For Honey Bee Habitat |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|Announcement Builds on Previous Investment in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South |
| Dakota and Wisconsin |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, Oct.29, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that more |
|than $4 million in technical and financial assistance will be provided to help farmers |
|and ranchers in the Midwest improve the health of honey bees, which play an important |
|role in crop production. |
| |
| |
|"The future of America's food supply depends on honey bees, and this effort is one way |
|USDA is helping improve the health of honey bee populations," Vilsack said. |
|"Significant progress has been made in understanding the factors that are associated |
|with Colony Collapse Disorder and the overall health of honey bees, and this funding |
|will allow us to work with farmers and ranchers to apply that knowledge over a broader |
|area." |
| |
| |
|An estimated $15 billion worth of crops is pollinated by honey bees, including more |
|than 130 fruits and vegetables. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is|
|focusing the effort on five Midwestern states: Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South|
|Dakota and Wisconsin. This announcement renews and expands a successful $3 million |
|pilot investment that was announced earlier this year and continues to have high levels|
|of interest. This effort also contributes to the June 2014 Presidential Memorandum – |
|Creating a Federal Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators, |
|which directs USDA to expand the acreage and forage value in its conservation programs.|
| |
| |
|Funding will be provided to producers through the Environmental Quality Incentives |
|Program (EQIP). Applications are due Friday, November 21. |
| |
| |
|From June to September, the Midwest is home to more than 65 percent of the commercially|
|managed honey bees in the country. It is a critical time when bees require abundant and|
|diverse forage across broad landscapes to build up hive strength for the winter. |
| |
| |
|The assistance announced today will provide guidance and support to farmers and |
|ranchers to implement conservation practices that will provide safe and diverse food |
|sources for honey bees. For example, appropriate cover crops or rangeland and pasture |
|management may provide a benefit to producers by reducing erosion, increasing the |
|health of their soil, inhibiting invasive species, and providing quality forage and |
|habitat for honey bees and other pollinators. |
| |
| |
|This year, several NRCS state offices are setting aside additional funds for similar |
|efforts, including California – where more than half of all managed honey bees in the |
|U.S. help pollinate almond groves and other agricultural lands – as well as Ohio and |
|Florida. |
| |
| |
|The 2014 Farm Bill kept pollinators as a high priority, and these conservation efforts |
|are one way USDA is working to help improve pollinator habitat. |
| |
| |
|USDA is actively pursuing solutions to the multiple problems affecting honey bee |
|health. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) maintains four laboratories across the |
|country conducting research into all aspects of bee genetics, breeding, biology and |
|physiology, with special focus on bee nutrition, control of pathogens and parasites, |
|the effects of pesticide exposure and the interactions between each of these factors. |
|The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supports bee research efforts in |
|Land Grant Universities. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) |
|conducts national honey bee pest and disease surveys and provides border inspections to|
|prevent new invasive bee pests from entering the U.S. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and|
|NRCS work on improved forage and habitat for bees through programs such as the |
|Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and EQIP. The Forest Service is restoring, |
|improving, and/or rehabilitating pollinator habitat on the national forests and |
|grasslands and conducting research on pollinators. Additionally, the Economic Research |
|Service (ERS) is currently examining the direct economic costs of the pollinator |
|problem and the associated indirect economic impacts, and the National Agricultural |
|Statistics Service (NASS) conducts limited surveys of honey production, number of |
|colonies, price, and value of production which provide some data essential for research|
|by the other agencies. |
| |
| |
|For more on technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs,|
|visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or a local USDA service center. |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

News Clippings 10/29/14

10/29/2014



State





Mississippi Phosphates in Pascagoula Files Bankruptcy
WXXV


Pascagoula-based Mississippi Phosphates filed for bankruptcy Monday. The
company is a major fertilizer producer that has been plagued with
environmental issues over the past few years.

Members of the Cherokee Concerned Citizens Group in Pascagoula believe
their chronic health issues are linked to the emissions of Mississippi
Phosphates, a fertilizer plant just two blocks away from the neighborhood.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Mississippi-Phosphates-in-Pascagoula-Files/_O2h8ef-GEOMRwvikYjM5g.cspx





Eco-tourism could give the coast a huge boost

WLOX


JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -Now that the coast is being marketed as one
single destination, those in charge of getting the word out need to know
what the entire coast has to offer. In Jackson County, that something is
Mother Nature. So commissioners, staff members, and ad agency executives
representing the Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau took a look
around on their own tour of the county.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27134401/eco-tourism-could-give-the-coast-a-huge-boost





Report: Gulf Islands National Seashore created $39M in economic growth for
Jackson County last year
Gulf Islands helped add $39M to county's economy in 2013
Sun Herald

BY JAMES SKRMETTA



OCEAN SPRINGS -- A group of coastal leaders toured natural resource sites

across Jackson County early Tuesday morning to observe how to grow the

nature tourism industry.

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/28/5881072/report-gulf-islands-national-seashore.html?sp=/99/184/201/




Kemper County power plant price tag tops $6.1 billion as costs climb again,

start-up delayed

The Associated Press

October 28, 2014 at 8:16 PM



JACKSON, Mississippi — Southern Co. says it will cost at least another $496

million to finish the power plant it's building in eastern Mississippi's

Kemper County, pushing the total cost above $6.1 billion.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-business/2014/10/kemper_county_power_plant_pric.html#incart_river



White: Clean cities thrive

Tully Taylor

Enterprise-Journal

Tuesday, October 28


One of Mississippi's top tourism officials told attendees of Keep Pike

County Beautiful's annual awards banquet on Monday that cleanliness,

beautification and civic pride go a long way in promoting a community.

http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_ac1fdb7c-5ebf-11e4-8d8a-937e6cda5e7e.html





Ole Miss gets $20M grant, will build science facility


Clarion Ledger


The University of Mississippi will expand "Science Row" with a new

facility seeded by a $20 million grant from the Gertrude C. Ford

Foundation.



http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2014/10/28/ole-miss-gertrude-ford-grant-science/18072751/





State sues, claims lab wasn't up to handling biohazards


Clarion Ledger


The state is suing architects and designers of a new Public Health

Lab, saying the $28 million lab wasn't up to containing deadly

diseases, biohazards and chemicals.

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/10/27/state-suing-architects-health-lab/18020615/







Mississippi PERS shows improved results with stock market gains

The Associated Press

October 28, 2014 at 6:00 PM



JACKSON, Mississippi -- With stock market gains replacing steep losses in

the accounting ledger, Mississippi's main public employee pension fund

posted stronger results last year.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/10/mississippi_pers_shows_improve.html#incart_river





Oil Spill





NEW PROGRAM TRAINS YOUNG PEOPLE FOR RESTORATION JOBS

MPB


A new project is training young people on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the
skills needed for coastal restoration work. MPB's Evelina Burnett reports,
billions of additional dollars to restore the Gulf after the 2010 BP oil
spill will soon start flowing to the region.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2014/10/28/new-program-trains-young-people-for-restoration-jobs/





Coast youth learn job skills testing water quality

WLOX


GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -They are testing water quality and learning future job
skills. Some young people who graduated from Climb CDC training program in
Gulfport are now involved in a restoration project that's part of the
ongoing recovery from the BP oil spill.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27141898/coast-youth-learn-job-skills-testing-water-quality





Gulf Coast landowners, farmers can tap $40M in conservation cash from BP

oil spill

Mark Schleifstein

The Times-Picayune

October 28, 2014 at 7:57 PM



Gulf Coast landowners and farmers are eligible for $40 million in

conservation grants aimed at offsetting the impacts of the BP Deepwater

Horizon oil spill, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Tuesday

(Oct. 28).

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/10/gulf_coast_landowners_farmers.html#incart_river



Craft favors larger projects with RESTORE Act money

Gulf Coast News

BY JOHN MULLEN

October 28, 2014


GULF SHORES, AL — With the possibility of RESTORE Act money becoming a

reality, Mayor Robert Craft of Gulf Shores says members of a committee who

will vote on spending that money are faced with two choices.

http://www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com/area_news/article_315303ba-5ec9-11e4-b8f3-1be9981e76a4.html





BP wants federal judge to order oil spill claims administrator to turn over

audit

Jennifer Larino

The Times-Picayune

October 28, 2014 at 2:25 PM



BP is asking a federal judge in New Orleans to order oil spill claims

administrator Patrick Juneau to turn over results of an audit of the

program. The British oil giant says it has the right to not only review the

findings, but to examine why audit costs have soared over the past year.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/10/bp_asks_federal_judge_to_order.html#incart_river





Regional





Louisiana sues Corps of Engineers for $3 billion cost of repairing MR-GO

damaged wetlands

Mark Schleifstein

The Times-Picayune

October 28, 2014 at 8:15 PM

The state of Louisiana sued the Army Corps of Engineers Tuesday (Oct. 28)

to force it to pay the full $3 billion cost of restoring wetlands destroyed

during the maintenance and operation of the shuttered Mississippi

River-Gulf Outlet navigation channel.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/10/louisiana_files_federal_suit_t.html#incart_river





National





U.S. EPA seeks more input on sweeping power plant rule
Reuters


Tue, Oct 28 2014


By Valerie Volcovici



WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. regulators said on Tuesday they wanted more
input on elements of a sweeping plan to reduce pollution from power plants
and about the role natural gas can play to achieve emissions cuts.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/28/us-usa-climatechange-epa-idUSKBN0IH23W20141028





Coal ash rule heads to White House for final review
The Hill




The nation's first-ever regulations on the storage and disposal of coal ash
have been sent to the White House for final review.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/222071-coal-ash-rule-heads-to-white-house-for-final-review





Opinion




ROSS REILY: EPA should have historical background of Delta


MBJ
by Ross Reily
Published: October 28,2014

If you first listen to environmentalists and the Environmental Protection
Agency as to why they are opposed to the Yazoo Backwater project, they make
a pretty compelling argument.

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/10/28/ross-reily-epa-historical-background-delta/





Press Releases


|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| USDA Announces New Partnership with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to Support |
| Ongoing Gulf Restoration |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|NORCO, La., Oct. 28, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new |
|partnership between USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the |
|National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) that will provide additional support for |
|restoration of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in response to impacts that occurred as a |
|result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. |
| |
| |
|"The health of the Gulf ecosystem will be decided by how well we treat the private |
|lands that make up most of this region," Secretary Vilsack said. "This new partnership |
|with NFWF leverages significant funding for restoration in these Gulf States. In |
|addition to our many Farm Bill conservation programs, partnering with NFWF and private |
|landowners will enable us to continue to make progress in this region and achieve our |
|goals for a healthy Gulf ecosystem." |
| |
| |
|The new partnership will significantly expand conservation efforts with private |
|landowners and operators who might not otherwise be eligible to participate in existing|
|recovery programs. The partnership will begin with a $20 million investment from NFWF, |
|matched by a $20 million investment from NRCS. Additional commitments of up to $30 |
|million from each partner are possible over the next four years. |
| |
| |
|NFWF, NRCS and other partners will focus on working on private lands to implement |
|conservation projects that will enhance the existing recovery efforts in Louisiana, |
|Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Texas. |
| |
| |
|Potential projects include: |
| |
| |
| · Wetlands conservation; |
| |
| |
| · Stream and riparian buffer restoration; |
| |
| |
| · Farm and ranch land protection, including the practices that go along with |
| protection, such as improving soil health, implementing no-till farming and |
| enhancing wildlife habitat. |
| |
| |
|More information on these projects will be available through NRCS offices in the five |
|Gulf states. |
| |
| |
|In early 2013, a U.S. District Court approved two plea agreements resolving certain |
|criminal cases against BP and Transocean which arose from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon |
|explosion and oil spill. The agreements direct a total of $2.544 billion to NFWF to |
|fund projects benefiting the natural resources of the Gulf Coast that were impacted by |
|the spill. |
| |
| |
|This agreement builds on investments that NFWF and NRCS are making in the region. NRCS |
|works side-by-side with farmers, ranchers and private landowners to make improvements |
|to their land, helping clean water and air, enhance habitat and enrich soil. This past |
|year, NRCS worked with farmers, ranchers, and forestland managers in the five Gulf |
|states to improve the health of more than 3 million acres. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|









EPA Provides Additional Information on Clean Power Plan

Agency requests public comment on additional information and proposes
carbon goals for areas in Indian Country and U.S. Territories

WASHINGTON – As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
extensive outreach since issuing the proposed Clean Power Plan, EPA is
making additional information and ideas available for public comment in a
notice of data availability (NODA). At the same time, EPA is following
through on its commitment made in June to propose goals to reduce carbon
pollution in areas of Indian Country and U.S. Territories where fossil-fuel
power plants are located.

EPA has engaged in unprecedented outreach to a broad range of stakeholders
since proposing the Clean Power Plan, including states, utilities,
industry, public health and environmental groups, labor, and community
groups. During the many meetings, conference calls, and the nearly 1.5
million public comments the agency has received so far, stakeholders have
identified a wide range of ideas and information.


In issuing today's NODA, EPA is seeking to ensure that all interested
parties are aware of the issues and ideas that have been consistently
raised by a diverse group of stakeholders, so that everyone has the
opportunity to consider them as they formulate their comments, which are
due on Dec. 1, 2014. Notices of data availability are commonly used to
present additional information for the public to consider. They do not
change a proposal, nor are they a complete summary of the wide variety of
ideas that have been raised. They allow EPA to continue seeking ideas and
comments on these and many other issues as the agency works toward a final
rule that is flexible and empowers states to chart their own, customized
path to meet goals for reducing harmful carbon pollution.


In a separate but related action, EPA is proposing goals for areas of
Indian Country and U.S. Territories where fossil-fuel fired power plants
are located to reduce their carbon pollution by 2030. Proposed goals for
these areas were not included in the June 2014 proposed Clean Power Plan.
The supplemental proposal relies on the approach used in the June 2014
Clean Power Plan and is based on new information and data provided through
additional outreach to covered facilities and tribal and territorial
governments. The proposal outlines a diverse range of options that tribes
and territories could use to meet their goals. EPA will hold a public
hearing on the supplemental proposal on Nov. 19, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz. and
will accept comment through Dec. 19, 2014.

Today's actions are part of the common-sense steps laid out in President
Obama's Climate Action Plan and the June 2013 Presidential Memorandum.
Power plants account for roughly one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas
emissions in the United States. While there are limits in place for
arsenic, mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particle pollution
emissions, there are currently no national limits on carbon pollution from
power plants.

In 2009, EPA determined that greenhouse gas pollution threatens Americans'
health and welfare by leading to long-lasting changes in our climate that
can have a range of negative effects on human health and the environment.
Taking steady, responsible steps to cut carbon pollution from existing
power plants will protect public health, continue the United States'
international environmental leadership, and move the nation toward a
cleaner, more stable environment for future generations, while supplying
the reliable, affordable power needed for economic growth.
Fact sheets and details about the NODA and the supplemental proposal:
http://www.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan

More information on President Obama's Climate Action Plan:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/climate-change






Accepting Nominations for the 2015 Gulf Guardian Awards



ATLANTA - The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico
Program partnership developed the Gulf Guardian awards as a way to
recognize and honor the businesses, community groups, individuals, and
organizations that are taking extraordinary steps to keep the Gulf healthy,
beautiful and productive. The Gulf Guardian Award recipients exemplify what
the Gulf of Mexico Program partnership is all about; innovative solutions
that come about when we pool resources and look for creative ways to
positively impact our quality of life and economic well-being on the Gulf
of Mexico.
For the year 2015, the Gulf of Mexico Program will be awarding 1st, 2nd and
3rd place awards for seven (7) categories: Business & Industry,
Environmental Justice/Cultural Diversity, Civic/Non-Profit Organizations,
Partnerships, Youth Environmental Education, Individual, and Bi-National
partnership efforts. All 21 winners in these seven different categories
will be rewarded with the Gulf Guardian Memento, extensive press coverage
on their project and achievements, and recognition by their peers at a
special Gulf Guardian Awards ceremony.
The Gulf of Mexico Program is underwritten by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and is a non-regulatory, inclusive consortium of state
and federal government agencies and representatives of the business and
agricultural community, fishing industry, scientists, and community leaders
from all across the five Gulf States and Mexico.
To complete a nomination application for 2015, go to the Gulf of Mexico
Program's web site at http://www.epa.gov/gmpo, The 2015 Gulf Guardian
Applications are available in both English and Spanish. Email your
nomination to GulfGuardian@epa.gov by January 15, 2015. If you have any
questions, or require further information or assistance, please contact The
Gulf of Mexico Program Office at (228) 688-3726.





ENERGY STAR Day: Administrator McCarthy Recognizes Billions in Savings to
Consumers and Businesses Through ENERGY STAR


Hello, we wanted to make sure you saw this blog post with a video from EPA
Administrator Gina McCarthy about the accomplishments of the ENERGY STAR
program in recognition of ENERGY STAR Day. View the Administrator's blog
and video on the EPA Connect blog online: http://go.usa.gov/Guj5


ENERGY STAR Day: The Power of the Little Blue Label


Click here to view videos and photos online: http://go.usa.gov/Guj5


Let's start with a few numbers:


300 billion dollars in savings. That's how much consumers and businesses
have saved on utility bills in the last 22 years because of the ENERGY STAR
program.


Two billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, or the
equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 420 million cars. Thanks to
our little blue ENERGY STAR label, folks are doing their part to reduce
their greenhouse emissions and combat climate change.


Since President Obama took office, ENERGY STAR has helped American
consumers and businesses save over one billion metric tons of greenhouse
gas emissions and approximately $110 billion on their utility bills.


That's one powerful little label. Click here to view the ENERGY STAR logo
online: http://go.usa.gov/Guj5


For more than 20 years, people across the country have looked to EPA's
ENERGY STAR program for guidance on how to save energy and money while
protecting the environment. Today, on ENERGY STAR Day, we are celebrating
the accomplishments of our program, and recognizing the important
partnership between businesses, consumers, and the government to find
commonsense ways to save money, fight climate change, and leave the world a
better place for our kids.


Throughout October, the ENERGY STAR Community Service Tour, in partnership
with private and public sector organizations, are working to improve the
quality of life for families, children and our veterans through energy
efficiency service projects, while inspiring folks to think about what they
can do to make a difference through energy efficiency in their communities.
Projects include an energy-saving makeover at the Edgewood, Maryland Boys
and Girls Club, featuring energy efficient lights that will save the club
money on their electric bills; upgrades to appliances and other equipment a
Denver Housing Authority building to increase the comfort of residents and
save energy, water and money; and to wrap it all up, today, we are
partnering with a non-profit housing facility for homeless veterans in
Phoenix to celebrate an extensive energy efficiency upgrade that included
ENERGY STAR­ certified lighting, appliances, insulation, weatherization and
windows, plus upgraded HVAC equipment.


Click here to view photos of the Edgewood, Maryland, Boys & Girls Club
basketball court before and after ENERGY STAR efficiency upgrades:
http://go.usa.gov/Guj5


Here are a few things you can do now to spread the word about how your
family and friends can save money and do their part to combat climate
change through ENERGY STAR:


1. Share the Administrator's video and blog on your social media sites
and encourage your friends to retweet: http://go.usa.gov/Guj5


2. Take the pledge to save energy through the My ENERGY STAR tool at
www.energystar.gov


3. Join our ENERGY STAR Twitter chat on October 29th at 2 p.m. by using
the hashtag #ESPositiveEnergy for more information about what you can
do to make a difference now and in the future.


4. Keep an eye out for that little blue label and switch to ENERGY STAR
certified products.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

News Clippings 10.28.14

10.28.2014



State





Pascagoula's Mississippi Phosphates files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Fertilizer plant plagued with environmental, financial issues, worked with
special CEO to turn things around
Sun Herald

BY KAREN NELSON



PASCAGOULA -- Mississippi Phosphates Corp., a major fertilizer plant in

east Jackson County that has been plagued with environmental issues in

recent years, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday with the U.S. Bankruptcy

Court in Gulfport.

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/27/5879210_pascagoulas-mississippi-phosphates.html?sp=/99/100/&rh=1




Fertilizer maker files bankruptcy


THE ASSOCIATED PRESS




A Pascagoula fertilizer plant that has faced environmental scrutiny has

filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, saying it needs debt relief.



http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article3406062.html




Mississippi Phosphates in Pascagoula files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Mississippi Press



April M. Havens



October 27, 2014 at 4:30 PM



PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Mississippi Phosphates Corp., a 200-employee

diammonium phosphate fertilizer manufacturer in east Jackson County, has

filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/10/mississippi_phosphates_in_pasc.html#incart_river





Mississippi Phosphates files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

WLOX


PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) -No layoffs. No furloughs. That's the word from
Mississippi Phosphates as the company files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27053088/mississippi-phosphates-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy




Cochran calls on EPA for review of Yazoo Backwater Project


MBJ
October 27,2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) is asking for an
independent peer review of the decision that halted completion of the Yazoo
Backwater Project, a flood control project for the lower Mississippi Delta.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/10/27/cochran-calls-epa-review-yazoo-backwater-project/


A safe water draw?

Ernest Herndon

Enterprise-Journal

October 27, 2014


LAKE MARY — A popular fishing lake in western Wilkinson County could

provide water for oilfield fracking in southwest Mississippi without

harming the lake's recreational value, a Wilkinson official said.

http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_68086664-5e08-11e4-9afe-bfccdc88cdd5.html






Harper calls TMS 'game- changer'

Ernest Herndon

Enterprise-Journal

October 27, 2014


LAKE MARY — The Tuscaloosa Marine Shale was a major topic at a fundraiser

for Congressman Gregg Harper, who will be on the ballot in the Nov. 4

general election.

http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_83b74de2-5e0a-11e4-a2e2-83ed3c45c081.html





Residents fed up with Turkey Creek contamination

WLOX


GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -Turkey Creek in Gulfport has been the center of
several problems for its surrounding communities for some time. Those
neighborhoods are now calling for action.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27054868/residents-fed-up-with-turkey-creek-contamination





EPA leads effort to build federal support for Turkey Creek, North Gulfport
SUN HERALD

October 27, 2014



GULFPORT -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working with Turkey

Creek and North Gulfport leaders to start a Federal Interagency Working

Group on Environmental Justice that would focus federal resources on the

community's economic, developmental, environmental, housing and other

needs.

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/27/5879872_epa-leads-effort-to-build-federal.html?sp=/99/184/&rh=1




BlueFire Renewables could get $270M to build Fulton plant
Daily Journal
Posted on October 27, 2014.

BlueFire Renewables could get as much as $270 million from China's Export
Import Bank to finish building its cellulosic-ethanol plant in Fulton
http://bizbuzz.djournal.com/2014/10/27/bluefire-renewables-get-much-270m-fulton-plant/


Go green!
WTVA


TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- What better way to learn about the environment than
to pickup trash, right?!

That's a lesson being taught at Parkway Elementary in Tupelo.

http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Go-green/jLQaRYsC30aIGRb8Sk_mdw.cspx





Louisiana, Mississippi among the worst states for energy efficiency,

website reports

Ben Myers



The Times-Picayune



October 27, 2014 at 10:12 AM



Louisiana is tied for 44th in the nation when it comes to energy

efficiency, as determined by the American Council for an Energy Efficient

Economy, according to Climate Central, a climate science journalism

website.

(Read the Climate Central article)

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/10/louisiana_mississippi_among_th.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter





Oil Spill





BP oil spill left 'bathtub ring' on sea floor the size of Rhode Island, new

research shows

The Associated Press



October 27, 2014 at 3:21 PM



WASHINGTON -- The BP oil spill left an oily "bathub ring" on the sea floor

that's about the size of Rhode Island, new research shows.

The study by David Valentine, the chief scientist on the federal damage

assessment research ships, estimates that about 10 million gallons of oil

coagulated on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico around the damaged Deepwater

Horizons oil rig.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/10/bp_oil_spill_left_bathtub_ring.html#incart_river





BP spill left 'bathtub ring' of oil across more than 1,200 square miles of

Gulf seafloor, new study says

Mark Schleifstein



The Times-Picayune



October 27, 2014 at 10:15 PM



Scientists have found evidence of a "bathtub ring" of oil particles from

the BP Deepwater Horizon spill covering more than 1,200 square miles of the

Gulf of Mexico's seafloor, according to a study published online Monday

(Oct. 27) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/10/bp_spill_left_bathtub_ring_of.html#incart_river





US ag secy: new Gulf oil spill recovery program
BY JANET MCCONNAUGHEY

Associated Press



NEW ORLEANS — A new $40 million partnership will give money for

conservation projects to landowners in states affected by BP's 2010 oil

spill in the Gulf of Mexico, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says.

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/28/5879622/us-ag-secy-new-gulf-oil-spill.html?sp=/99/184/218/




We'll sue BP in Montgomery next year, and lawmakers could put lawsuit cash

into General Fund, says Luther Strange (with video)

Al.com



Jim Stinson



October 27, 2014 at 8:26 PM



MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Attorney General Luther Strange told the Alabama

Media Group on Monday that he expects to be in court with BP next year,

suing over the state's losses when it had to shut down its coastline in the

Gulf of Mexico after the oil spill in 2010.

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2014/10/well_sue_bp_in_montgomery_next.html





BP Third-Quarter Profit Falls

Energy Giant Gives First Indication of How Big Oil is Coping With Falling


Oil Prices


Wall Street Journal


LONDON— BP PLC posted a big fall in third-quarter profit from a year


earlier, giving the first indication of how big oil companies are


weathering falling oil prices.


http://online.wsj.com/articles/bp-third-quarter-profit-falls-1414481139?KEYWORDS=BP





National





EPA Adds 23 Chemicals, Including BPA, to Key List for Scrutiny, Possible

Action

Bloomberg



The Environmental Protection Agency has added 23 chemicals—including

bisphenol A (BPA), seven phthalates and two flame retardants—to a key list

of chemicals that will have particular uses carefully scrutinized for

possible regulation or other controls.



http://www.bna.com/epa-adds-23-n17179910646/





Greens to spend record $85M in midterms
The Hill




Environmental groups are on track to spend more than $85 million on key
races this year, more than ever before, according to an internal memo.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/221992-green-groups-set-to-spend-record-85m-in-midterms





Opinion





The Other Senate Nuclear Option

The midterms might mean finally ending Harry Reid's blockade of Yucca


Mountain.


Wall Street Journal


By GLENN MCCULLOUGH JR.


Oct. 26, 2014 7:35 p.m. ET


Much is at stake as Americans vote on Nov. 4. While different races have


different issues, the nuclear-energy world is watching to see which party


will control the Senate. If Majority Leader Harry Reid becomes minority


leader, he would likely no longer be able to sustain opposition to Yucca


Mountain, the Energy Department's chosen nuclear repository.


http://m.wsj.com/articles/glenn-mccullough-midterms-yucca-mountain-and-the-other-senate-nuclear-option-1414366541?mobile=y







Press releases





EPA Meets with Leaders in Gulfport to Lay Groundwork for Federal Working
Group to Address Community Concerns



ATLANTA – Today and tomorrow, officials from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) are meeting with leaders from the Turkey Creek and
North Gulfport communities in Gulfport, Miss. to lay the groundwork for a
Federal Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice (EJ IWG), an
initiative to focus resources from multiple federal agencies to help meet
economic, environmental and community needs.





The Turkey Creek and North Gulfport communities, whose settlements pre-date
the establishment and incorporation of the city of Gulfport, are united in
their efforts to address their environmental and cultural concerns. These
two communities have banded together through the Turkey Creek Watershed
Partnership to collaboratively address environmental issues on a watershed
scale. The team includes over 50 individuals representing more than 20
city, county and state agencies, local and regional non-profit
organizations, churches, citizen groups and homeowners. The EJ IWG would
expand the effort to include more federal support.





"By combining resources, EPA together with our federal partners can make a
real difference," said Acting EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Anne Heard.
"These investments will help Turkey Creek realize its vision for a more
sustainable future."





EPA representatives participated in a resident-led tour today of points of
interest in the Forrest Heights, North Gulfport and Turkey Creek
communities, including several environmental cleanup sites and areas
planned for development. They also sat in on a Turkey Creek Watershed
Partnership meeting, and are meeting one-on-one with key leaders to discuss
the community's concerns, including potential environmental degradation
associated with infrastructure and commercial development plans, lack of
affordable housing and green jobs, and plans for Natural Resource Damage
Assessment Funds.





EPA, working alongside its community partners, intends to convene the first
community-wide EJ IWG meeting in Turkey Creek during early 2015. The goal
of the meeting is to work with other federal agencies to assist with
revitalization efforts that will make a visible difference in the
communities impacted by potential environmental concerns, blight and
degradation. The EJ IWG meeting will include time for the agencies in
attendance to share information on resources and technical assistance
available to support the needs of Turkey Creek.


The EJ IWG was established in 1994 under Executive Order 12898. It is
comprised of 17 federal agencies and White House offices to guide, support,
and enhance federal environmental justice and community-based activities.
The EJ IWG works to strengthen community access to federal programs and
expertise by eliminating barriers, making connections and avoiding
duplication.

For more information about Federal Interagency Working Group on
Environmental Justice, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/interagency/






COCHRAN CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PEER REVIEW OF YAZOO BACKWATER PROJECT



Continual EPA Region IV Rebuff Halts Progress on Flood Control for

Mississippi Delta





WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today asked for an

independent peer review of the decision that halted completion of the Yazoo

Backwater Project, an important flood control project for the lower

Mississippi Delta.





Cochran requested approval for an independent peer review from Gina

McCarthy, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

following a lack of response from EPA Region IV to a recent and similar

recommendation from the Army Corps of Engineers. Completion of the

backwater pump project, authorized by Congress in 1941, was idled since the

project was administratively vetoed by the EPA in 2008 based on

recommendations by Region IV.





"I am writing to request that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's

Office of Water conduct an independent peer review of EPA Region IV's

recommended determination in 2008 to veto the final components of the Yazoo

Backwater Area Project," Cochran said.





"It is deeply concerning that the Southeastern Regional Office is unwilling

to allow independent experts who were not associated with the determination

to provide a fair and objective reevaluation of the 2008 determination.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – one of the world's largest and most

advanced construction agencies specializing in the design and construction

of flood protection systems – continues to affirm the vetoed proposal is

the option most capable of protecting Mississippians from devastating flood

damages while creating opportunities for environmental protection and

enhancement," he said.





Cochran said the scope of the project and ongoing flood risk in the Yazoo

River Basin further justifies an additional, independent review process.

Finishing the project, which has been constructed over the past seven

decades, would provide additional flood protection on more than 630,000

acres in the backwater area of the basin. The Senator raised the Yazoo

Backwater Project's potential at a July 2011 Senate hearing that addressed

the disaster conditions created in Mississippi during the floods of 2011.





"Those at risk deserve clarity from the EPA regarding its concerns about

the project's potential impact on certain waters of the United States.

Also, the public deserves certainty that EPA was correct in its estimates,"

Cochran asserted.





"Despite the various challenges and differences of opinions regarding this

issue, citizens of the lower Mississippi Delta still need the flood

protection the federal government has promised since 1941. It is

imperative that your Agency look further into Region IV's veto

determination, and begin proposing viable alternatives of its own until the

EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers can agree on an effective solution," he

concluded.





A copy of Cochran's Yazoo Backwater Area Project letter is available below.







###



http://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=a60d052a-163f-4567-8d8b-8ce7949310b6








|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| USDA Proposes Inclusion of New, Innovative Products in the BioPreferred Program |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2014 Farm Bill provision increases availability of biobased forest products |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, October 27, 2014 ─ As part of the continued rapid implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill, Agriculture|
|Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced proposed new actions to include new forest products in the BioPreferred® |
|program. The proposal also includes other traditional biobased products and other mature market products, which|
|have been produced in innovative ways. USDA seeks public comment for 60 days on the proposed rules published in|
|today's Federal Register. |
| |
| |
|"Today, small businesses and global companies alike have harnessed the power of America's farms and forests to |
|create new and innovative biobased products that are used all around the world," said Vilsack. "The expanding |
|bioeconomy means more than just additional consumer choices, it also means new jobs." |
| |
| |
|The proposed action responds to new requirements in the 2014 Farm Bill for USDA to promote biobased products, |
|including forest products, that apply an innovative approach to growing, harvesting, sourcing, procuring, |
|processing, manufacturing, or application of biobased products regardless of the date of entry into the |
|marketplace. The proposed rules provide the framework for implementing the new requirements, and will replace |
|previous regulatory provisions excluding mature market products. The action further revises the definition of |
|"biobased product" to state that the term includes forest products that meet biobased content requirements, |
|notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for the |
|product is new or emerging. |
| |
| |
|USDA's BioPreferred program works to increase the purchase and use of designated biobased products through a |
|preferred procurement initiative for Federal agencies. Designated products may also carry the voluntary "USDA |
|Certified Biobased Product" label, which is designed to promote the broad-scale marketing of biobased products |
|to consumers. Certified and designated products include construction, janitorial, and groundskeeping products |
|purchased by Federal agencies, to personal care and packaging products used by consumers every day. |
| |
| |
|Today's announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic |
|gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in |
|savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this |
|critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk |
|management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative |
|public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in |
|infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more |
|information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill. To read the proposed rule, see: |
|https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/10/27/2014-25427/voluntary-labeling-program-for-biobased-products|
|. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Monday, October 27, 2014

News Clippings 10.27.14

10.27.2014



State



Officials: District to keep tabs on taps

Justin Vicory

Enterprise-Journal

October 26, 2014


LIBERTY — The Amite County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing

Friday to announce their intentions to form a water management district

with Wilkinson County to oversee the use of billions of gallons of water

needed to sustain hydraulic fracturing operations at oil wells in the two

counties.

http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_c3478158-5cc4-11e4-a35d-7f11065bb59e.html





IMMS releases eight more Kemp's Ridley turtles

WLOX


GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -Eight more endangered Kemp's Ridley turtles are back
in their natural habitat. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted the Institute for
Marine Mammal Studies in releasing the sea turtles late Friday morning near
Ship Island. The turtles are among some 300 which have been rehabilitated
this year at the IMMS.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26885773/imms-releases-eight-more-kemps-ridley-turtles





EPA introduces new patch for Girl Scouts
Sun Herald

BY ENGITSHUN MAGEE



Girl Scouts can now earn a patch signifying their knowledge of climate

control and how it affects the water supply.

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/26/5878054/epa-introduces-new-patch-for-girl.html?sp=/99/184/185/







Oil Spill





COAST GEARS UP FOR RESTORATION JOBS

MPB


Billions of dollars for oil spill restoration will soon start flowing to
Mississippi and the rest of the Gulf region. As MPB's Evelina Burnett
reports, community groups want to ensure that money will be used to create
local jobs as well.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2014/10/24/coast-gears-up-for-restoration-jobs/





Louisiana shrimp safe to eat after BP Gulf of Mexico spill, local study

says

Benjamin Alexander-Bloch

The Times-Picayune

October 24, 2014 at 1:45 PM



Louisiana shrimp was safe to eat following the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon

oil spill, a new study concluded, reaffirming previous federal and state

studies.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/10/safety_of_eating_louisiana_shr.html#incart_river





Gulf State Park convention center challenged in lawsuit; Group calls

project 'shocking misuse of restoration funds'

Press-Register

Dennis Pillion

October 24, 2014 at 5:29 PM



GULF SHORES, Alabama -- The Gulf Restoration Network, an environmental

group based in New Orleans, has filed a law suit seeking to block the use

of $58 million in Deepwater Horizon oil spill recovery funds to construct a

hotel and conference center at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores.

http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2014/10/gulf_state_park_convention_cen_1.html





National





EPA chief: Public tired of debating climate change
The Hill




Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy said
Friday that the public does not want more "debate or discussion" about
climate change, but government action.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/221772-epa-head-public-doesnt-want-more-debate-and-discussion-on-climate





Dividing and Conquering the Trash

NY Times


Nate Morris pulled his rental Toyota Prius into a parking
spot outside Bavarian Waste Services, a waste management
company in rural Walton, Ky. Stepping out of the car, he
inhaled the putrid odor wafting down from Bavarian's
landfill.


http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/business/dividing-and-conquering-the-trash.html?ref=earth&_r=0





EPA cracks down on toxic chemicals
The Hill




Chemical manufacturers are coming under new scrutiny by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
http://thehill.com/regulation/221831-epa-cracks-down-on-toxic-chemicals





Opinion





Yes, BP Did Damage the Gulf
Politico
By KARA LANKFORD
October 26, 2014

In an opinion article published Tuesday, the oil giant BP would have us
believe that the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster wasn't all that bad for the
Gulf of Mexico. Yes, company spokesman Geoff Morrell admits the event was a
tragedy, and that, sadly, both people and wildlife perished. But he hastens
to point out that the disaster's impact was not as dire as predicted, and
that recovery is already happening or perhaps complete.
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/10/yes-bp-did-damage-the-gulf-112211.html?hp=l1#.VE5AnPmjNcY


To save Louisiana's coast, protect our Restore Act funds:

Times-Picayune

Kevin Kane

October 25, 2014 at 12:24 PM



Louisianans received good news this month, in the form of an announcement

from the U.S. Department of Treasury that BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill

fines will begin flowing to the Gulf Coast states impacted by the

environmental catastrophe.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/10/to_save_louisianas_coast_prote.html


Press releases





USDA Announces New Partnership with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
to Support Ongoing Gulf Restoration



Jackson, Miss., Oct. 24, 2015 – USDA's Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today
announced a new partnership that will provide additional support for
restoration of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem in response to impacts that
occurred as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.



The new partnership will significantly expand conservation efforts with
private landowners and operators who might not otherwise be eligible to
participate in existing recovery programs. The partnership will begin with
a $20 million investment from NFWF, matched by a $20 million investment
from NRCS. Additional commitments of up to $30 million from each partner
are possible over the next four years.



"The health of the Gulf ecosystem will be decided on private lands as 86
percent of the land area is privately owned," said Kurt Readus, state
conservationist in Mississippi. "Conservation work in Mississippi has had a
tremendous positive impact on the Gulf ecosystem, and this partnership will
help us continue these voluntary conservation efforts."



NFWF, NRCS and other partners will focus on working on private lands to
implement conservation projects that will enhance the existing recovery
efforts in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Texas.

Potential projects include:

· Wetlands conservation;


· Stream and riparian buffer restoration;


· Farm and ranch land protection, including the practices that go along
with protection, such as improving soil health, implementing no-till
farming and enhancing wildlife habitat.




More information on project opportunities in Mississippi will be available
at www.ms.nrcs.usda.gov.

In early 2013, a U.S. District Court approved two plea agreements resolving
certain criminal cases against BP and Transocean which arose from the 2010
Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. The agreements direct a total of
$2.544 billion to NFWF to fund projects benefiting the natural resources of
the Gulf Coast that were impacted by the spill.



"We are pleased and excited to announce this new partnership with USDA,"
said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "This partnership
will serve to leverage and to enhance USDA's commitment to preserve and
protect the natural resources that are so important to communities across
the region. In the aftermath of recent disasters, such a commitment has
never been more vital to ensure the Gulf of Mexico remains a healthy and
productive habitat for future generations of Americans to enjoy."



This agreement builds on investments that NFWF and NRCS are making in the
region. NRCS works side-by-side with farmers, ranchers and private
landowners to make improvements to their land, helping clean water and air,
enhance habitat and enrich soil. This past year, NRCS worked with farmers,
ranchers, and forestland managers in the five Gulf States to improve the
health of more than 3 million acres.



"This new partnership with NFWF as well as our many Farm Bill conservation
programs will enable us to continue this crucial progress in Mississippi
and the rest of the Gulf region," Kurt Readus said.



For more news updates from NRCS, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/Newsroom. To get
started with NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or
www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted





#




Remarks by EPA Administrator at Georgetown University on the Economic Need
to Act on Climate

WASHINGTON--Thanks for the introduction, Dean Montgomery. And thanks to the
School of Public Policy for hosting. It seems like every other week I'm at
Georgetown for another great event.

I know you have a great day planned. Before I talk a bit about our energy
and environmental future, let's take a look at a lesson from the past. Most
of you won't remember this as I do, but in the 60's, industries and
business were growing. Suburbs were sprawling up and the automobile was a
symbol of the American dream - "a chicken in every pot and a car in every
driveway." The auto industry set the pace of the American economy.

Unfortunately, also in the 60's, our rivers were burning, future Superfund
sites were popping up all over, smokestacks were spewing black soot, and
cars were fueled by leaded gasoline. All the progress was great but folks
began to realize that it came at too high a cost. Sure, leaded gasoline
was affordable and reliable; but its full cost didn't show up at the pump.

Toxic leaded gas fumes and other pollutants choked our cities, impairing
public health. Lead fumes even threatened brain development in our
children. The, quote, "price of progress" proved too much to pay.
Millions of people demanded cleaner fuel for their cars, and EPA responded.
Despite special-interests disputing the science and the costs, EPA phased
out leaded gas. Since EPA was created more than 40 years ago,
technological innovations like catalytic converters, have allowed us to
drive cars that run 99 percent cleaner.

That same success story of science and innovation has been repeated over
and over, as we have tackled our environmental challenges in ways that have
sparked American ingenuity and led to a U.S. environmental technology
industry that's second to none. If there is one lesson we've learned by
now, it's that real economic progress, and real energy progress, need never
come at the price of economic growth or protecting our wellbeing; it comes
from investing in cleaner, more efficient technologies that keep people
healthy.

Today, climate change is the most complex energy and environmental
challenge we've ever faced. But like we always have, we can turn our
challenge into a tremendous opportunity to invigorate the way we make and
use energy. Under president Obama's leadership, EPA is seizing that
opportunity. And just like before, despite the naysayers and special
interests, people get it. They know that the cost of climate inaction is
too high. They know we can, and we must, make energy clean, efficient, and
affordable.

The research from David and Stephen's new book, "Cheap and Clean",
underscores that truth. They say don't judge a book by its cover, but
frankly, the title says it all.


When we talk about energy being cheap, we're talking about cost of energy
on our monthly bills. But when we talk about energy being clean, that
doesn't mean we stop talking about costs. Clean energy isn't just about
protecting public health, it's also about protecting people's pocketbooks.
That's a point I want to make clear: clean energy means less pollution, and
less pollution means lower costs to our health and economy. Those costs
are not always line-itemed on our bills, but they are real nevertheless. As
temperatures and seas rise, so do insurance premiums, food prices, medical
bills, and more. And taxpayers and businesses pay the price.


The American people understand that fact. From all the recent public
opinion work out there on climate change, what stands out to me is this:
first, people overwhelmingly consider climate change a problem,and they
want action. And second, what's even more impressive, is the overwhelming
support specifically for EPA action to curb carbon pollution from power
plants.


Just like with our cars, the public sentiment that our energy should be
clean and affordable is not new. The good news is, history shows it's a
challenge we've successfully faced time and time again: Over the last 40
years, we've cut air pollution by 70 percent while our economy tripled in
size. And we did it without skyrocketing energy costs. And today, even
though we have commonsense standards to regulate mercury and arsenic, there
are currently no limits on the harmful carbon pollution fueling climate
change.


That's why president Obama directed EPA to act. A month ago at the UN
climate summit, president Obama said, quote, "We cannot condemn our
children to a future beyond their capacity to repair…not when we have the
means to begin repairing it right now." He's right. We can do this. EPA's
clean power plan is a commonsense path forward to make the power sector
cleaner, while keeping energy affordable and reliable. We've had well over
1 million comments on our plan already. And we extended the comment period
through December 1st, because we want every good idea on the table.


Our clean power plan will cut carbon pollution from our power sector 30
percent by 2030. When we cut carbon pollution, we reduce other harmful
pollutants that cause smog and soot. From those reductions alone, every
dollar we invest through the Clean Power Plan will return $7 dollars in
health benefits. In 2030, total climate and health benefits could reach up
to $93 billion dollars. And here's the thing, the energy efficiency
measures our plan helps put in place by 2030, will actually make energy
bills 8 percent cheaper.


It's easy to see why climate action makes sense. The energy landscape is
changing. EPA's plan looks at where we are today, and maps out where we're
going. We want to raise the common denominator for cleaner, affordable
power across all states. And our plan is not a one-size-fits-all
prescription, it boosts progress already underway in companies, city halls,
and state capitals across the nation.


38 states already have renewable energy portfolio standards. And 10 states
already have market based greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs.
Clean energy is getting cheaper by the minute. The price of utility-scale
solar power is almost 60 percent below where analysts predicted it would
be. And between 2012 and 2013, just one year, the price of solar power
installed on homes or local businesses dropped 12 to 15 percent. And
according to a report from the Carbon Disclosure Project, companies like
Delta, Google and Disney use an internal carbon price in their business
decisions because investors and CEO's see the value of climate action.


The key to making our Clean Power Plan ambitious and achievable, is
flexibility. Flexibility means states can choose the low-carbon path that
makes sense to them based on their own energy needs and their own economic
vision. Flexibility means more choices for them, and more ways to invest.
Our plan sends a powerful market signal that will unleash innovation and
create jobs. And that innovation will lead to even more affordable clean
power. It's a positive cycle that we should do everything we can to
encourage.


I was recently at a clean tech incubator in L.A.; those companies are
growing and creating jobs thanks to more market certainty. That's the real
prize of any regulatory action. We don't regulate to drive regulation, we
regulate to drive markets.


Decades ago, when American cities were choked by smog, we knew we had the
technology to begin to fix the problem, and we knew American ingenuity
would carry us forward. And it has. All we needed was to nudge the market
in the right direction to embrace cleaner energy, and to run with it. And
that's exactly what happened. We sent up a signal flare by making good
policy to protect public health. That signal drove markets, drove
innovation, cleaned up our cars, and served as a model for the world.


And because we took action, our kids won't grow up breathing toxic leaded
gas fumes. We can, and must, take on climate change the same way. Acting
on climate change is not just a responsibility we must accept for the sake
of our children; it's an opportunity we should seize, to retool and resurge
with new technologies, new industries, and new jobs.


This is our new catalytic-converter-moment. As we work to build a cleaner,
low-carbon energy future—let's remind ourselves what we're capable of.


Thank you.