10.6.14
State
Is Memphis stealing water from Mississippi?
AP
Mississippi officials are renewing allegations that Memphis is
stealing water from the state.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/10/06/mississippi-water-rights-battle/16796725/
North Lee board dynamics could change
By Robbie Ward
Daily Journal
TUPELO – The leadership and priorities of the North Lee County Water
Association appear ripe for change after the association's annual elections
last week.http://djournal.com/news/north-lee-board-dynamics-change/
DMR employee talks about scary experience when boat sank
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -It is a call the DMR gets from time to time: a boat is
sinking. But it's not a call the department is used to getting about one of
its own boats and crew.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26701452/dmr-employee-talks-about-scary-experience-when-boat-sank
Oil Spill
Governor Phil Bryant makes multi-million dollar announcement
WLOX
More money is coming to South Mississippi as part of efforts to restore the
Mississippi Gulf Coast following the 2010 BP Oil in the Gulf of Mexico.
Governor Phil Bryant announced Friday that an additional $68.9 million will
be spent in our community.
http://www.wlox.com/story/26697927/more-money-coming-to-gulf-coast-to-restore-area-impacted-by-bp-oil-spill
Pascagoula's $3.8 million from BP will finish promenade, hopefully attract
residential development
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
October 03, 2014 at 5:14 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Using $3.8 million in BP funds to complete
Pascagoula's waterfront promenade project should help make the area more
attractive to residential developers, City Manager Joe Huffman said today.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/10/pascagoulas_38_million_from_bp.html#incart_river
$627M in Gulf oil-spill recovery projects approved
BY JEFF AMY
Associated Press
JACKSON -- Officials approved plans Friday to spend $627 million on 44
projects meant to aid recovery from the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of
Mexico, but environmentalists are fuming that $58 million will go to an
Alabama beachfront hotel they say will hurt rather than help the Gulf.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/03/5836215_627m-in-gulf-oil-spill-recovery.html?sp=/99/100/&rh=1
Gulf Coast to get more than $600M in oil spill money
Ledyard King, Gannett Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON – Nearly $627 million in oil spill money has been
approved for dozens of restoration projects designed to help Gulf
Coast communities recover from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2014/10/05/gulf-coast-get-m-oil-spill-money/16786283/
BP oil spill trustees approve $627M for restoration, including $340M in
Louisiana
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
October 03, 2014 at 2:54 PM
Federal and state trustees for the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill have
given final approval to plans to spend $627 million on restoration
projects, including $340 million in Louisiana, officials announced Friday.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/10/bp_deepwater_horizon_spill_tru.html#incart_river
Feds, states announce $627M in Gulf spill restoration projects
The Hill
Federal and state officials said Friday that they have chosen 44 projects
worth $627 million to restore the Gulf of Mexico and its shores after the
major 2010 oil spill.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/219750-feds-states-announce-627m-in-gulf-spill-restoration-projects
Oil spill recovery projects: Lots of ideas, but all will not get funded
Press-Register
Michael Finch II
October 03, 2014 at 2:35 PM
MOBILE, Alabama -- The line for oil spill money grows longer. Projects
submitted by local governments, environmental groups and those with an
inclination to pursue a restoration cause now totals 58 -- up from 47 about
one month ago.
http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/10/oil_spill_recovery_projects_lo.html
BP challenges 'gross negligence' ruling in oil spill
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
October 03, 2014 at 2:26 PM
BP has asked a federal judge to reconsider a ruling that the company acted
recklessly leading up to the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The British oil
company faces as much as $18 billion in fines.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/10/bp_asks_federal_judge_to_set_a.html#incart_river
Regional
Federal agency says state regulators risked polluting N.C. waterways
Taft Wireback/Greensboro News & Record | Posted: Friday, October 3, 2014
10:00 pm
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency interceded recently to put the
brakes on a state-approved plan that allowed Duke Energy to flush water
from its numerous coal ash ponds into nearby streams and lakes.
http://www.journalnow.com/news/local/federal-agency-says-state-regulators-risked-polluting-n-c-waterways/article_b3809e2e-01b4-5be1-ae64-01d2ca280ab9.html
Cleanup continues after train derailment in Louisiana
AP
NEW ORLEANS – Cleanup continued early Monday at the site of a train
derailment in northeast Louisiana.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/10/06/2-injured-when-train-derails-in-louisiana/?intcmp=latestnews
National
EPA pushing tougher emissions rules for some steel manufacturers
The Hill
Steel manufacturers are coming under scrutiny from the Environmental
Protection Agency.
The EPA is looking at new emissions limits for iron ferroalloys, which are
used to produce steel.
http://thehill.com/regulation/219703-epa-pushing-tougher-emissions-rules-for-steel-manufacturers
Hoeven says EPA overstepping authority
AP
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Sen. John Hoevensays he has a plan to combat the
federal Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rules over navigable
waters, which he calls "a real problem."
http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Hoeven-says-EPA-overstepping-authority-5801016.php
Two gas drillers to disclose fracking risks to investors
The Hill
Two natural-gas developers have agreed to disclose the financial impacts of
hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to investors under a deal with New
York's attorney general.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/219727-two-gas-drillers-to-disclose-fracking-risks-to-investors
Press Releases
Gov. Bryant Announces Mississippi Phase III Projects Ready to Move Forward
Governor Phil Bryant announced today that an additional $68.9 million
will be spent on restoration projects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a
part of Phase III of early restoration from the Deepwater Horizon oil
Spill. The full suite of Phase III projects across the five Gulf States
totals $627 million.
"This is another step in bringing back all the states affected by
the 2010 oil Spill to their original condition," Gov. Bryant said. "I want
to thank all the National Resource Damage Assessment trustees on the great
work they have done to approve this suite of projects. For Mississippi, the
$68.9 million brings with it not only restoration for our Gulf Coast, but
jobs for our coastal residents hit hard by the oil spill."
The four Phase III projects approved for Mississippi include the
Hancock County Marsh Living Shoreline which totals $50 million, and is in
partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The 6
mile long shoreline barrier located in Heron Bay will be constructed with a
combination of stone and oyster shell. The barrier will help reduce erosion
of our marshes, provide a protective barrier to storm surge, and create
healthy habitats for barnacles, oysters, small fish, and crab.
"Every fisherman in our state already understands how important
structures like this are to the quality and quantity of our speckled trout,
redfish and flounder," Bryant said. "The Living Shoreline project is the
largest of all the Mississippi restoration projects to date, and will
provide many benefits to the people of Mississippi including jobs."
The remaining three projects expand the public's access to enjoy our
coastal resources and to support the education and awareness of
Mississippians of all ages on their important roles as stewards of these
resources. These projects include the Restoration Initiatives at the
INFINITY Science Center Project totaling $10.4 million, the Pascagoula
Beachfront Promenade Project totaling $3.8 million, and the Popp's Ferry
Causeway Park Project which totals $4.7 million.
Today's announcement brings the total to $82.5 million spent on early
restoration projects in Mississippi since 2010. Completed projects include
the laying of the largest oyster cultch in the history of the Mississippi
Sound totaling $11 million, and a $2.6 million near shore artificial reef
enhancement project. Completed projects brought jobs to the Mississippi
Gulf Coast as local contractors were hired to do the work.
"The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is poised and
ready to get these Phase III projects underway as we continue our efforts
to restore our Gulf Coast and fulfill our promise to 'Make Mississippi
Whole'," said Gary Rikard, Executive Director, MDEQ
Visit www.restore.ms for complete details about the Mississippi Phase
III projects.
###
$627 Million Gulf Spill Restoration Plan Approved Plan includes 44
early restoration projects across the Gulf
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Gulf Coast (Oct. 3, 2014) --- The Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource
Damage Assessment Trustees (Trustees) have selected and approved the
largest suite of Gulf of Mexico early restoration projects since the
oil spill. The restoration plan includes 44 projects totaling an
estimated $627 million.
The Final Programmatic and Phase III Early Restoration Plan and
Early Restoration Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (plan)
sets a strategic approach for early restoration activities. The
Trustees received thousands of public comments that were
instrumental in its development. The Trustees have developed a
reader-friendly guide to the plan and projects.
The Trustees' decisions on the plan are set forth and explained in a
Record of Decision (ROD). Both the plan and the ROD are available at
www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov and copies will be available in
locations across the Gulf region.
The plan includes projects to restore barrier islands, dunes,
marshes, shorelines, and oyster beds and to address lost
recreational use of natural resources.
About 63 percent, or $397 million, of the projects address
ecological losses. The remaining 37 percent, or $230 million,
address lost recreational services.
The Phase III projects continue the early restoration process.
Ultimately, BP and the other responsible parties are obligated to
compensate the public for all natural resource injuries caused by
the spill. The Trustees are committed to ensuring full restoration
for the Gulf.
MEDIA ADVISORY: EPA Launches ENERGY STAR Community Service Tour
ENERGY STAR partners host nationwide tour to help communities save energy
and money and protect the climate
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is kicking off
its first national ENERGY STAR Change the World through Community Service
Tour, bringing together public and private organizations in communities
across the country to make a positive difference in people's lives through
energy efficiency-related community service projects.
"Through this tour, our ENERGY STAR program and partners are making a
difference in local communities through energy efficiency service projects
that will save money and energy, while cutting harmful pollution and
combating climate change," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "EPA is
working with private sector organizations and companies to improve the
quality of life for families across the country through energy efficiency
projects."
The tour stops in Worcester, Mass.; Baltimore, Md.; San Francisco, Calif.;
Denver, Colo.; Orange, Calif.; and Phoenix, Ariz., and culminates on ENERGY
STAR Day, Oct. 28, in Phoenix. EPA is leveraging the tour to inspire others
to consider what they can do to make a difference through energy
efficiency, to share their "stories of positive energy," and take the
ENERGY STAR Pledge at energystar.gov/pledge in celebration of ENERGY STAR
Day. Consumers across the country are encouraged to join the millions who
have already pledged to take action to save energy and money in their homes
and protect the planet.
ENERGY STAR "Change the World through Community Service Tour" Events:
October 3 – National Grid -- Worcester City Hall, Mullaney Plaza, 455 Main
St., 11:20 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sustainability Hub, 912 Main St., Worcester,
Mass., 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.: ENERGY STAR partner National Grid joins Worcester:
The City That Reads, and Worcester Historical Museum in celebration of
"Acts of Kindness: Making lives better through saving energy, protecting
the environment and improving community literacy." This event highlights
community service activities undertaken by National Grid throughout
September and October to support energy efficiency and improved quality of
life in Worcester, Mass. In the afternoon, families can help celebrate the
first anniversary of National Grid's Sustainability Hub by participating in
energy efficiency educational activities, featuring products provided by
ENERGY STAR partners National Grid, Samsung Electronics, and LG
Electronics. The Sustainability Hub was built to offer a resource to the
Worcester community to learn about how energy efficiency can benefit
customers environmentally, economically, and socially.
October 9 – Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) -- Boys & Girls Club, 2002
Cedar Dr., Edgewood, Md., 4:30 - 7 p.m.: Employees at ENERGY STAR partner
BGE will roll up their sleeves to make energy-efficient improvements at the
ENERGY STAR partner Boys & Girls Club in Harford County, Md. In addition to
new lighting and other energy-efficient upgrades, volunteers will be
painting, landscaping, constructing new storage, and installing new
furniture. The upgrades will be provided by ENERGY STAR partners The Home
Depot and Samsung Electronics, and residents will learn about saving energy
at the family night event.
October 17 – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) – Habitat Terrace, 1
Capitol Ave., San Francisco, Calif., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: ENERGY STAR
partner PG&E is working with Habitat for Humanity to build energy-efficient
homes for Habitat Terrace, Habitat Greater San Francisco's newest
development. PG&E employees, along with countless other volunteers, are
building 28 single-family homes on about one acre at One Capitol Ave. in
San Francisco's Oceanview neighborhood. About 90 percent of the
construction is done by volunteers, who will help with framing, plumbing,
painting, dry walling, siding, and much more. No experience is necessary.
PG&E volunteers are rolling up their sleeves and providing onsite support
under the guidance of experienced construction managers and Americorps
staff to provide safe, affordable, energy-efficient homes to 28
hard-working families in the community.
October 18 – Xcel Energy -- Westridge Homes (Denver Housing Authority),
Mulory Opportunity Center, 3550 W. 13th Ave., Denver, Colo., 11 a.m. – 2
p.m.: ENERGY STAR partner Xcel Energy Colorado is working with Energy
Outreach Colorado (EOC), the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) and Group 14
Engineering to host an event promoting energy efficiency among DHA
residents. In the past two years, Xcel Energy and EOC supported upgrades to
appliances and other equipment in DHA homes, increasing resident comfort
levels and saving energy, water and money. DHA residents are invited to
participate in an energy fair where upgrades will be highlighted, including
ENERGY STAR clothes washers and HDTVs from LG Electronics. Families can
engage in educational activities about the importance of energy-saving
actions.
October 19 – Southern California Edison (SCE), Irvine Ranch Outdoor
Education Center, 2 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, Calif., 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.: ENERGY
STAR partner SCE is showcasing an energy audit and energy-efficiency
improvements at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. SCE is also
hosting a Calif. native tree planting on the Education Center's property, a
property that serves 7,000 youth during the school year. The event is a
collaboration between Green Camps, a sustainable camp program, and EcoIQ, a
volunteer employee group within SCE.
October 28 – Arizona Public Service (APS) – Veterans Housing Facility, 3400
NW Grand Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz., 1– 2:30 p.m.: ENERGY STAR partner APS is
hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate an extensive
energy-efficiency upgrade at U.S. Vets, a 135-unit non-profit housing
facility for homeless veterans in Phoenix. The renovation included ENERGY
STAR-certified lighting, appliances, insulation, weatherization and
windows, plus upgraded HVAC equipment provided by ENERGY STAR partners
including Fujitsu, Sears, LG Electronics, Electrolux, Whirlpool and Cree.
The event features a tour of the upgrades as well as a reception for
Veteran residents.
More information on the tour and events: energystar.gov/changetheworldtour
Take the pledge at: energystar.gov/pledge
ENERGY STAR is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For more than 20
years, people in America have looked to EPA's ENERGY STAR program for
guidance on how to save energy, save money, and protect the environment.
Behind each blue label is a product, building, or home that is
independently certified to use less energy and cause fewer of the emissions
that contribute to climate change. Today, ENERGY STAR is the most widely
recognized symbol for energy efficiency in the world, helping families and
businesses save $300 billion on utility bills, while reducing carbon
pollution by two billion metric tons since 1992. Join the millions who are
already making a difference at energystar.gov.
