10/24/2014
State
Hazardous waste drop-off set for Saturday in DeSoto County
Henry Bailey Jr.
Commercial Appeal
DeSoto Environmental Services manager Ray Laughter and solid-waste officer
Craig Howell got an early jump on Saturday's Household Hazardous Waste Day
drop-off.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/hazardous-waste-dropoff-set-for-saturday-in-desoto-county_17910526
Oil Spill
BP Shouldn't Get Trial on Spill Ruling, Halliburton Says
Bloomberg
By Margaret Cronin Fisk and Laurel Brubaker Calkins - Oct 24, 2014
BP Plc (BP/)'s bid for a new trial over causes of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico
oil spill should be rejected because the judge didn't rely on excluded
testimony, Halliburton Co. (HAL) said in court papers.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-23/bp-shouldn-t-get-new-trial-on-spill-ruling-halliburton-says.html
Jobs for South Mississippians is groups' focus in spill-restoration
projects
Jobs for Coastians is groups' focus in spill-restoration projects
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
GULFPORT -- Ways to connect local workers with the oil spill-restoration
effort led the discussion at a workshop Thursday that attracted
representatives from groups across the northern Gulf Coast.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/23/5872971_jobs-for-south-mississippians.html?sp=/99/184/&rh=1
Use of BP oil spill money for Alabama convention center challenged in
lawsuit
The Associated Press
October 23, 2014 at 3:59 PM
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- An environmental group filed suit Thursday to block a
decision that would let Alabama use nearly $60 million in Gulf oil spill
funds to build a beachfront convention center.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2014/10/use_of_bp_oil_spill_money_for.html#incart_river
Regional
Gulf Council splits red snapper recreational sector; angler-rights group
promising litigation
Press-Register
Jeff Dute
October 23, 2014 at 3:28 PM
MOBILE, Alabama -- The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved
an amendment splitting the red snapper recreational sector into two
components.
http://www.al.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2014/10/gulf_council_approves_splittin.html#incart_river
National
EPA review board finds 'strong scientific support' for water rule
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) water rule passed a crucial
test Thursday, gaining the approval of the agency's internal review board.
http://thehill.com/regulation/221637-epa-report-finds-strong-scientific-support-for-water-regulation
EPA considers prohibiting use of 72 chemicals in pesticides
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to remove 72 chemicals
form the list of substances that can be used as ingredients in pesticides.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/221673-epa-considers-prohibiting-use-of-72-chemicals-in-pesticides
University of Pittsburgh study correlates autism with air pollution
By Andrew Goldstein / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Little research has been done on the effects of air toxics on autism
spectrum disorders, but a new University of Pittsburgh study may show why
those effects could have a big impact.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2014/10/22/University-of-Pittsburgh-study-finds-links-between-childhood-autism-and-air-toxics-during-pregnancy/stories/201410220161
EU agrees to 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions
AP
BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders agreed early Friday to cut
greenhouse gas emissions in the 28-nation bloc to at least 40% below
1990 levels by 2030.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2014/10/23/eu-reaches-deal-to-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions/17811637/
Opinion
Tort Blowout Preventer
An opportunity for the Supreme Court to clarify class-action law.
Wall Street Journal
The 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill was a disaster for local businesses and the
environment but also the best thing ever to happen to the trial lawyers who
continue to exploit the accident for fun and profit. Now the Supreme Court
has an opening to impose discipline on the class-action lawsuit industry by
forcing the tort bar to prove its claims.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/tort-blowout-preventer-1414106822
Press Releases
USDA INVESTS $7.49 MILLION IN MISS. CHOCTAW & RURAL SCOTT CO. WATER,
WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
USDA Rural Development Approves Grant-Loan Awards for Infrastructure
Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Water and wastewater infrastructure systems serving the
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and rural areas of Scott County are in
line to receive almost $7.5 million in improvements from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today
reported.
Cochran, the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, on
Thursday said that USDA Rural Development has approved a $4.13 million
grant-loan package for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to improve
wastewater treatment. Another $3.36 million grant-loan award is being
issued to H&H Water Systems to upgrade water service to residents in the
Harperville and Hillsboro areas of Scott County.
"Communities rely on good water and wastewater services to improve public
health and quality of life for their residents. These USDA awards will not
only improve services, but also help the Mississippi Band of Choctaws and
rural areas of Scott County meet increasingly strict health and
environmental regulations," Cochran said.
The Mississippi Band of Choctaws is receiving a $3.98 million Native
American grant and $154,000 loan to repair and replace components
throughout its wastewater system, including improvements to the headwork
and influent pump station.
The water system serving Harperville and Hillsboro area residents will be
improved through a $2.46 million grant and $896,000 low-interest loan to
install a 750 GPM well, construct an elevated 250,000-gallon water tank and
perform other work to improve the distribution system.
The awards to Mississippi are directly linked to the USDA Water and Waste
Disposal Loan and Grant Program included in the rural development title of
the 2014 farm bill, the five--year agriculture and nutrition policy measure
that became law in February. In addition to being a primary negotiator in
finalizing the new farm bill, Cochran serves on the Senate Agriculture
Appropriations Subcommittee.
The 2014 farm bill authorized the USDA Water, Waste Disposal and Wastewater
Facility Grants and Loans program to provide grants, loans and loan
guarantees to public agencies for projects that support the development,
storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the
collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas.
###
EPA Proposes to Remove 72 Chemicals from Approved Pesticide Inert
Ingredient List
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting
public comment on a proposal to remove 72 chemicals from its list of
substances approved for use as inert ingredients in pesticide products.
"We are taking action to ensure that these ingredients are not added to any
pesticide products unless they have been fully vetted by EPA," said Jim
Jones, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention. "This is the first major step in our strategy to
reduce risks from pesticides containing potentially hazardous inert
ingredients."
EPA is taking this action in response to petitions by the Center for
Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Physicians for Social
Responsibility and others. These groups asked the agency to issue a rule
requiring disclosure of 371 inert ingredients found in pesticide products.
EPA developed an alternative strategy designed to reduce the risks posed by
hazardous inert ingredients in pesticide products more effectively than by
disclosure rulemaking. EPA outlined its strategy in a May 22, 2014 letter:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0558-0003 to
the petitioners.
Many of the 72 inert ingredients targeted for removal, are on the list of
371 inert ingredients identified by the petitioners as hazardous. The 72
chemicals are not currently being used as inert ingredients in any
pesticide product. Chemicals such as, turpentine oil and nitrous oxide are
listed as candidates for removal.
Most pesticide products contain a mixture of different ingredients.
Ingredients that are directly responsible for controlling pests such as
insects or weeds are called active ingredients. An inert ingredient is any
substance that is intentionally included in a pesticide that is not an
active ingredient.
For the list of 72 chemical substances and to receive information on how to
provide comments, see the Federal Register Notice in docket #
EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0558. To access this notice, copy and paste the docket
number into the search box at: http://regulations.gov. Comments are due
November 21, 2014.
General information on inert ingredients can be found at:
http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/inert-ingredients-overview-and-guidance
.
EPA Invites Communities to Apply for Assistance to Build Resilience, Pursue
Revitalization
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today invited
communities to apply for technical assistance to implement smart growth
development approaches. EPA is offering this technical assistance through
the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program to help communities
across the country, including underserved communities, coastal communities,
small cities and rural areas, adopt sustainable growth strategies.
The program aims to increase resilience to natural disasters and strengthen
the economy while protecting human health and the environment. The Building
Blocks program provides quick, targeted technical assistance to communities
using tools with demonstrated results and widespread application.
Communities may apply for assistance on one or more of the following
topics:
• Bikeshare planning
• Equitable development
• Infill development for distressed cities
• Sustainable strategies for small cities and rural areas
• Flood resilience for riverine and coastal communities
If selected, a community will work with an EPA-supported team of experts
during a one-to-two-day workshop, where participants will learn about
relevant strategies, policies, and practices.
EPA will select up to 25 communities through a competitive process.
Selections will be made in collaboration with the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of
Transportation through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. This
interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in
infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for
communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.
Applications will be accepted between October 23and November 20, 2014. EPA
will host a webinar to discuss the program and the application process on
Thursday, October 30, 2014, from 3 to 4 p.m. EDT.
Since the Building Blocks program launched in 2010, EPA has provided
assistance to 131communities. In 2013 in Denver, Colo., EPA worked with the
local community, stakeholder groups, and the city to help develop a plan to
expand the existing bikeshare program to serve lower income neighborhoods
around the Denver metro region. In 2013, EPA also worked with Beaverton,
Ore. to identify how to incorporate green infrastructure techniques into
Beaverton's urban renewal plan. Beaverton subsequently received a $1
million HUD Sustainable Communities Planning Grant, which is enabling
implementation of recommendations made during the Building Blocks workshop.
More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities
program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm
More information on the webinar:
http://www.epa.gov/dced/webinars/index.html
More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.htm
Republican Governors Speak Out Against Expanded Federal Regulation of
Waters and Wetlands
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Twelve Republican governors released statements today
voicing their opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
proposal to redefine the "waters of the Unites States" in the Clean Water
Act. The governors' comments shed light on serious concerns relating to
EPA's attempt to vastly expand federal jurisdiction over the nation's
waters and wetlands, including adverse impacts to state economies;
confusion over the proposal's application; and federal encroachment on
state decision-making. The governors' remarks also reveal that state
leaders are voluntarily engaging in successful efforts to safeguard their
water resources and improve water quality.
Alabama, Governor Robert Bentley:
"The proposed rule will hurt the Alabama economy and, as Governor of
Alabama, I will continue to fight the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers from harming Alabama families and businesses. The proposed rule
is a federal encroachment on states' rights, forcing us to comply with
Washington mandates that surpass federal powers. At its core, the proposed
rule lacks an adequate basis in science as well as sufficient state input.
In a rush to promulgate the proposed rule, the EPA and Corps made at least
two significant errors, first failing to consult with states on the need
for the rule and its potential ramifications, and secondly failing to
obtain and incorporate necessary scientific research into the rule's
development. As a result of this fundamentally flawed process, the
agencies have proposed a fundamentally flawed rule. This rule far exceeds
the limitations on federal regulatory authority set forth in the Clean
Water Act and threatens large-scale economic harm. Specifically, the rule
will impose large costs on many Alabama industries — especially the
agricultural, building, and mining sectors. These three industries account
for many of the jobs lost in Alabama over the past five years and further
cuts will jeopardize Alabama's recovery. Even if the EPA does not enforce
the proposed rule to its foreseeable scope, third-party efforts may expand
the regulation to an unforeseeable scope and an uncertain future. I
support efforts to protect our environment, including the abundance of
waterways in Alabama. In fact, under my direction, the state is collecting
and analyzing data and coordinating with stakeholders in an effort to
better understand and safeguard our water resources. The EPA and Corps
should engage in similar actions before pursuing this rule further. I urge
the EPA to listen to the concerns of Republican governors, and work with us
on a solution that is best for our states."
Idaho, Governor Butch Otter:
"The Environmental Protection Agency claims it only wants to 'clarify' what
waterways and bodies of water fall within its regulatory jurisdiction under
the Clean Water Act. But that's just semantics. In reality, the EPA is
checking every nook and cranny of the United States for opportunities to
expand its influence in the name of protecting us. If you're a property
owner, or if your livelihood depends on the ability to keep pursuing
traditional uses of water in your area, you should be as worried as I am
about how the EPA is using its rulemaking process to identify 'Waters of
the United States' — or WOTUS — over which it can expand the federal
government's reach and control."
Indiana, Governor Mike Pence:
"Congress did not intend for the Clean Water Act to apply to every instance
where a drop of water touches the earth. There are limits on federal
authority, and the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have overreached
with their proposed Waters of the United States rule. They should withdraw
the proposed rule and engage in a serious conversation with the states
about where the lines of federal jurisdiction end and states' authority
over their own waters begins."
Iowa, Governor Terry Branstad:
"State of Iowa leaders care deeply about improving water quality and that
is why we are so concerned about that this Federal rule, which is a
one-size-fits-all approach that will create unnecessary barriers for the
advancement of conservation, water quality and economic development
projects throughout the State of Iowa. States, not the Federal government,
are best positioned, and in fact authorized by Congress, to lead water
quality policies. We appreciate the bipartisan concerns voiced in the U.S.
House of Representatives and the unanimous bipartisan concerns from the
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to stop this rule,
as it threatens to halt innovative and science-based initiatives like
Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy."
Louisiana, Governor Bobby Jindal:
"It is tough to make a living as a farmer and this proposed rule will make
it even tougher. Costs will go up, and the aggravation of dealing with
federal regulations will increase. Agriculture is an $11.6 billion industry
in Louisiana, and this rule will harm it. The rule will also impede the
economic development and rapid growth we have seen in our state over the
last six years by tying up key job-creating projects in new red tape with
no legitimate policy purpose. We know what is best for our state when it
comes to water policy — not Washington bureaucrats. The Obama
Administration needs to put farmers and our economy ahead of its liberal
agenda and withdraw this rule."
Mississippi, Governor Phil Bryant:
"The proposed rule to change the regulations for the federal Waters of the
US could have a detrimental effect on Mississippi's sustainable economic
vitality. The impact of the new definition of Waters of the US on the
critical economic drivers in our state, especially agriculture and
forestry, could have far reaching impact on our state's rural areas as well
the towns and cities those industries support. The Clean Water Act is not
just about water; it is about people. Mississippians take conservation of
our natural resources seriously. But the proposed changes could stifle
innovative conservation initiatives and finding creative solutions. The
proposed rule does not provide clarity and certainty for the people who
daily use and protect Mississippi's waters and would, in fact, introduce
confusion and bureaucratic delays for the people who drive Mississippi's
economy while conserving our resources."
Nebraska, Governor Dave Heineman:
"In Nebraska, farmers and ranchers are concerned about federal
overregulation, particularly EPA's proposed rule to expand its jurisdiction
over Waters of the United States through authorities granted to it under
the Clean Water Act. There is a very serious concern that this proposed
rule would overregulate ditches and ponds, and places where water pools
during rainfall events. Nebraskans support clean water and clean air, but
EPA's overreach is a significant threat to the success of Nebraska
agriculture."
North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory:
"Such dramatic expansion of federal authority over a state matter must come
from Congress, not a federal agency acting alone. This proposed rule will
impose burdensome and overreaching regulations, hindering the work and
livelihood of North Carolina farmers, landowners and others."
North Dakota, Governor Jack Dalrymple:
"If the EPA's intent in drafting this rule was to clarify the Clean Water
Act, they have failed miserably. Instead, the draft rule is filled with
vague language that would give the EPA greater authority to define what
constitutes navigable water. As written, this proposed rule would
drastically expand the EPA's authority to include virtually all surface
water, including seasonal streams, ponds and dry ditches. It is a clear
example of government overreach and it's unworkable for our farmers,
ranchers and other landowners."
Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin:
"The proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, as currently
written, will unnecessarily burden our economy, strain development in
Oklahoma and will not improve water quality. Oklahoma has made great
strides to voluntarily improve water quality through local implementation
of Farm Bill provisions and Section 319 of the Clean Water Act programs.
This proposal makes the development rights of Oklahomans more ambiguous,
rather than providing the common sense and clarity necessary for our
citizens. If the current proposal moves forward, it will harm development,
cause construction delays of critical infrastructure, and burden our
farmers and ranchers. The current proposed rule creates more confusion and
should not be made permanent. EPA and the Corps of Engineers must consult
with the states in order to develop a workable solution."
Utah, Governor Gary Herbert:
"The Clean Water Act clearly establishes the state's preeminent role in
protecting its water and I am proud of the job we have done. Utah has a
long history of successfully managing, protecting and monitoring its water
resources. Utah regularly monitors and assesses the health of nearly 15,000
stream miles and 132 lakes. We protect our waters through more than 3,000
active discharge permits. Since the early 1980s, Utah has invested over $1
billion in wastewater treatment infrastructure and other water quality
projects. My administration works closely with all stakeholders to protect
Utah's precious water resources and maintain a vibrant economy. As
governor, I have met with farmers, ranchers, community leaders and citizens
regarding their concerns over water, and have made tough, even unpopular
decisions, that I felt were needed to protect the rights of those with
limited means to defend themselves in court."
Wyoming, Governor Matt Mead:
"The EPA and Army Corp of Engineers have overstepped with this proposed
rule, ignoring state sovereignty and more than 100 years of law. This is in
essence another regulatory power grab of unprecedented magnitude. The
proposal should be withdrawn."
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http://www.rga.org/homepage/republican-governors-speak-out-against-expanded-federal-regulation-of-waters-and-wetlands/
