State
State agencies spent more than $1.4 million on food and drinks during
fiscal 2014
Mississippi Press
Warren Kulo
November 25, 2014 at 11:36 AM
JACKSON, Mississippi -- State agencies spent in excess of $1.4 million on
food and beverages for business meetings -- much of it at coast casinos --
during fiscal 2014, according to a state watchdog group.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/11/state_agencies_spent_more_than.html
Younger wins District 17 runoff
Commercial Dispatch
November 25, 2014 8:25:23 PM
Nathan Gregory - ngregory@cdispatch.com
Chuck Younger has officially won the District 17 Senate runoff.
With all precinct, absentee and affidavit ballots counted, Younger finished
with 57.47 percent of the votes to challenger Bobby Patrick's 42.49
percent. Of 5,256 ballots cast, 3,018 were votes for Younger. Patrick
received 2,231 votes. There were two write-ins.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=38338
Oil Spill
Audit: Vast majority of BP oil spill claims payments are correct
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
November 25, 2014 at 6:31 PM
Results of a third-party audit of the oil spill settlement program released
Tuesday (Nov. 25) by claims administrator Patrick Juneau show the
settlement program has correctly processed 99.5 percent of claims.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/11/audit_vast_majority_of_bp_oil.html
National
Gov't to set stricter smog standard
BY DINA CAPPIELLO
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The stricter smog standard proposed by the Obama
administration joins a string of historic — and controversial — moves by
the administration to improve air quality.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/11/26/5935948/ap-sources-govt-to-set-a-stricter.html?sp=/99/184/208/
EPA pushes to cut smog in new anti-ozone rule
The Hill
The Obama administration unveiled an ambitious plan Wednesday that it said
would improve public health by slashing the ozone pollution that causes
smog.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225371-epa-pushes-to-cut-smog-in-new-rule
EPA to Propose Limit to Ozone Air Pollution
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to announce
Wednesday a sweeping federal air-pollution standard limiting ground-level
ozone, or smog, in the atmosphere, according to people familiar with the
plan.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/epa-to-propose-limit-to-ozone-air-pollution-wednesday-sources-say-1416966904
Supreme Court to review EPA mercury limits
Published November 25, 2014
Associated Press
The Supreme Court is stepping into a new case about Obama administration
environmental rules, agreeing to review a ruling that upholds emission
standards for mercury and other hazardous air pollutants from coal- and
oil-fired power plants.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/11/25/supreme-court-to-review-epa-mercury-limits/
EPA hits back against report on employees' paid leave
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is defending itself against a
watchdog report that said it paid numerous employees to be on
administrative leave, some for more than a year.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225306-epa-hits-back-against-report-on-employees-paid-leave
Opinion
U.S. EPA: We need tougher ozone standards
By Gina McCarthy, U.S. EPA Administrator
CNN
For 44 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defended
the American people's right to breathe clean air by setting national air
quality standards for common air pollutants.
http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/26/news/economy/epa-stronger-ozone-standard/index.html?hpt=hp_t3
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
News Clippings 11/25/14
State
Trip gives visitors close-up look at challenges of commercial fishing
WLOX
A longtime Vietnamese fisherman took a group on a special fishing trip
Monday. They were part of an event called "Come Fish off My Boat." The
unique trip called attention to the plight of commercial fishermen and
sparked conversations about efforts to restore the fishery.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27472595/trip-gives-visitors-close-up-look-at-challenges-of-commercial-fishing
Mill development on pace for June completion
Commercial Dispatch
November 24, 2014 9:49:05 AM
Developers of the John M. Stone Cotton Mill, formerly known as MSU's E.E.
Cooley Building, held several tours Friday of the historic building, which
is located at the corner of Russell Street and Highway 12.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=38313
Oil Spill
Plan To Use Gulf Oil Spill Funds For Beach Hotel Sparks Lawsuit
NPR
Money is flowing now to Gulf Coast states to remedy damage from the 2010
Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and subsequent spill. All kinds of
projects are underway, from building boat ramps to shoring-up marshland.
http://www.npr.org/2014/11/25/366335282/plan-to-use-gulf-oil-spill-funds-for-beach-hotel-stirs-debate
National
Major energy rule timelines pushed back
The Hill
The Obama administration is pushing back its timeline for issuing major
energy regulations from the Interior Department and the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC).
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225167-major-energy-rules-pushed-back
Poll: Most voters support stricter smog standards
The Hill
By Lydia Wheeler - 11/25/14 12:01 AM EST
Sixty-two percent of voters support of the Environmental Protection
Agency's plan to issue stricter standards to reduce smog, according to a
new poll from the American Lung Association.
http://thehill.com/regulation/225243-poll-most-voters-support-stricter-smog-standards
EPA rejects Texas plan to cut haze-causing pollution from coal plants
Dallas Morning News
The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday rejected parts of a key Texas
clean-air plan, setting up a conflict that has deep implications both for
the state's electricity mix and for air quality across much of the country.
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20141124-epa-rejects-texas-plan-to-cut-haze-causing-pollution-from-coal-plants.ece
In North Dakota, Rising Unease Over Oil's Effects
NY Times
In early August 2013, Arlene Skurupey of Blacksburg, Va., got an animated
call from the normally taciturn farmer who rents her family land in
Billings County, N.D. There had been an accident at the Skurupey 1-9H oil
well. "Oh, my gosh, the gold is blowing," she said he told her. "Bakken
gold."
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/in-north-dakota-rising-unease-over-oil%E2%80%99s-effects/ar-BBfvuJ0
Press releases
EPA Awards Grants to Reduce Indoor Pollutant Exposure, Protect Public
Health
Eight organizations in Calif., DC, Ill., Kan., Ky., and Md. receive funding
to minimize exposure to indoor pollutants
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded
funding to eight organizations throughout the United States to protect
public health by reducing exposure to indoor pollutants, such as radon, and
environmental asthma triggers commonly found in homes, schools, offices and
other large buildings. Through a competitive grant process, EPA is
providing $4.5 million in funds to ensure Americans, especially in
low-income, minority and tribal communities, are able to reduce their
exposure to indoor pollutants and safeguard their families' health.
"Partnering with these leading organizations will increase national
awareness on the importance of healthy indoor air quality in our changing
climate and will empower communities to implement public health projects
locally," said Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for the Office
of Air and Radiation.
"With these agreements, EPA advances our commitment to communities by
providing financial and technical assistance so they can take action to
prevent lung cancer, asthma episodes and other respiratory diseases."
Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air
quality an important public health issue. For example, radon is the second
leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and asthma affects more
than 25 million Americans, including 7 million children, with poor and
minority children suffering a greater burden of the disease.
EPA will collaborate with the recipients of the three-year cooperative
agreements to:
· · prevent future lung cancer deaths by reducing public
exposure to radon by mitigating risks in existing homes and schools
and by constructing new homes and schools with radon-reducing
features;
· · prevent asthma attacks, emergency room visits, and other
poor health outcomes by supporting delivery, infrastructure and/or
sustainability of environmental asthma interventions at home and
school, with a focus on populations disproportionately impacted by
asthma; and
· · prevent other poor health outcomes through expanded support
of state and local efforts to improve indoor air quality by promoting
best practices and policies.
The recipients of the "National Indoor Environments Program: Reducing
Public Exposure to Indoor Pollutants" cooperative agreements are:
· · American Lung Association, Washington, DC
· · American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest,
Springfield, Ill.
· · America's Health Insurance Plans, Washington, DC
· · Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors,
Frankfort, Ky.
· · Environmental Law Institute, Washington, DC
· · Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.
· · National Center for Healthy Housing, Columbia, Md.
· · Public Health Institute, Oakland, Calif.
For more information on these innovative projects, visit www.epa.gov/iaq.
EPA Solicits Applicants for the 2015 Environmental Justice Small Grants
Program
Contact: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293 (direct), 404-562-8400 (main),
marraccini.davina@epa.gov
ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting
applications from eligible non-profit groups and tribal communities for the
2015 Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) Program. The EJSG Program
provides funding for projects that help communities understand and address
exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks at the local level. The
application deadline is December 15, 2014.
EPA recognizes the critical role of helping communities with localized
strategies to avoid, lessen, or delay the risks and impacts associated with
our changing climate. As a result, this year's EJSG Program will have a
special emphasis on proposals supporting community-based preparedness and
resilience efforts (community climate resiliency). In an effort to ensure
that support reaches new areas, the Agency also is prioritizing funding to
organizations that have not recently received an award under the EJSG
Program.
The total estimated amount of funding available for awards under this
solicitation for fiscal year 2015 is approximately $1.2 million. EPA
anticipates awarding up to four grants per EPA region in amounts of up to
$30,000 per award for a two-year project period.
Potential applicants in the Southeast who have questions about the
application process may contact Deborah Carter, EPA Region 4's Grants
Coordinator, at 404-562-9668, or carter.deborah@epa.gov.
More information regarding the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program,
including the Request for Applications and descriptions of previously
funded grants:
http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Landmark Report Charts Path to Commercialization of Cellulosic Nanomaterials |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Potential to Improve Forest Health, Create Products, New Demand for Timber, and Jobs |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, November 24, 2014 - The U.S. Forest Service has released a report that |
|details the pathway to commercializing affordable, renewable, and biodegradable |
|cellulose nanomaterials from trees. Cellulosic nanomaterials are tiny, naturally |
|occurring structural building blocks and hold great promise for many new and improved |
|commercial products. Commercializing these materials also has the potential to create |
|hundreds of thousands of American jobs while helping to restore our nation's forests. |
| |
| |
|"This report is yet another important step toward commercializing a material that can |
|aid in restoring our nations' forests, provide jobs, and improve products that make the|
|lives of Americans better every day," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "The |
|Forest Service plans to generate greater public and market awareness of the benefits |
|and uses for these naturally-occurring nanomaterials." |
| |
| |
|The report, titled " Cellulose Nanomaterials – A Path towards Commercialization," is a |
|result of a workshop held earlier this year that brought together a wide range of |
|experts from industry, academia, and government to ensure that commercialization |
|efforts are driven by market and user materials needs. |
| |
| |
|Cellulose nanomaterials have the potential to add value to an array of new and improved|
|products across a range of industries, including electronics, construction, food, |
|energy, health care, automotive, aerospace, and defense, according to Ted Wegner, |
|assistant director at the U.S. Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, |
|Wis. |
| |
| |
|"These environmentally friendly materials are extremely attractive because they have a |
|unique combination of high strength, high stiffness, and light weight at what looks to |
|be affordable prices," Wegner explained. "Creating market pull for cellulose |
|nanomaterials is critical to its commercialization. |
| |
| |
|The success of this commercialization effort is important to the U.S. Forest Service |
|for another key reason: creating forests that are more resilient to disturbances |
|through restorative actions. Removing excess biomass from overgrown forests and making |
|it into higher value products like nanocellulose, is a win for the environment and for |
|the economy. |
| |
| |
|"Finding high-value, high-volume uses for low-value materials is the key to successful |
|forest restoration," said Michael T. Rains, Director of the Northern Research Station |
|and Forest Products Laboratory. "With about 400 million acres of America's forests in |
|need of some type of restorative action, finding markets for wood-based nanocellulose |
|could have a huge impact on the economic viability of that work." |
| |
| |
|The U.S. Forest Service, in collaboration with the U.S. National Nanotechnology |
|Initiative, organized the workshop. Participants included over 130 stakeholders from |
|large volume industrial users, specialty users, Federal Government agencies, academia, |
|non-government organizations, cellulose nanomaterials manufactures and industry |
|consultants. The workshop generated market-driven input in three areas: Opportunities |
|for Commercialization, Barriers to Commercialization, and Research and Development |
|Roles and Priorities. Issues identified by participants included the need for more data|
|on materials properties, performance, and environmental, health, and safety |
|implications and the need for a more aggressive U.S. response to opportunities for |
|advancing and developing cellulose nanomaterial. |
| |
| |
|"The workshop was a great opportunity to get research ideas directly from the people |
|who want to use the material," says World Nieh, the U.S. Forest Service's national |
|program lead for forest products. "Getting the market perspective and finding out what |
|barriers they have encountered is invaluable guidance for moving research in a |
|direction that will bring cellulose nanomaterials into the marketplace for commercial |
|use." |
| |
| |
|The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to |
|sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands |
|to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million |
|acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and |
|maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the |
|Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year |
|through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's |
|clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a|
|direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested |
|acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most |
|Americans live. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Trip gives visitors close-up look at challenges of commercial fishing
WLOX
A longtime Vietnamese fisherman took a group on a special fishing trip
Monday. They were part of an event called "Come Fish off My Boat." The
unique trip called attention to the plight of commercial fishermen and
sparked conversations about efforts to restore the fishery.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27472595/trip-gives-visitors-close-up-look-at-challenges-of-commercial-fishing
Mill development on pace for June completion
Commercial Dispatch
November 24, 2014 9:49:05 AM
Developers of the John M. Stone Cotton Mill, formerly known as MSU's E.E.
Cooley Building, held several tours Friday of the historic building, which
is located at the corner of Russell Street and Highway 12.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=38313
Oil Spill
Plan To Use Gulf Oil Spill Funds For Beach Hotel Sparks Lawsuit
NPR
Money is flowing now to Gulf Coast states to remedy damage from the 2010
Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and subsequent spill. All kinds of
projects are underway, from building boat ramps to shoring-up marshland.
http://www.npr.org/2014/11/25/366335282/plan-to-use-gulf-oil-spill-funds-for-beach-hotel-stirs-debate
National
Major energy rule timelines pushed back
The Hill
The Obama administration is pushing back its timeline for issuing major
energy regulations from the Interior Department and the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC).
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/225167-major-energy-rules-pushed-back
Poll: Most voters support stricter smog standards
The Hill
By Lydia Wheeler - 11/25/14 12:01 AM EST
Sixty-two percent of voters support of the Environmental Protection
Agency's plan to issue stricter standards to reduce smog, according to a
new poll from the American Lung Association.
http://thehill.com/regulation/225243-poll-most-voters-support-stricter-smog-standards
EPA rejects Texas plan to cut haze-causing pollution from coal plants
Dallas Morning News
The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday rejected parts of a key Texas
clean-air plan, setting up a conflict that has deep implications both for
the state's electricity mix and for air quality across much of the country.
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20141124-epa-rejects-texas-plan-to-cut-haze-causing-pollution-from-coal-plants.ece
In North Dakota, Rising Unease Over Oil's Effects
NY Times
In early August 2013, Arlene Skurupey of Blacksburg, Va., got an animated
call from the normally taciturn farmer who rents her family land in
Billings County, N.D. There had been an accident at the Skurupey 1-9H oil
well. "Oh, my gosh, the gold is blowing," she said he told her. "Bakken
gold."
http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/in-north-dakota-rising-unease-over-oil%E2%80%99s-effects/ar-BBfvuJ0
Press releases
EPA Awards Grants to Reduce Indoor Pollutant Exposure, Protect Public
Health
Eight organizations in Calif., DC, Ill., Kan., Ky., and Md. receive funding
to minimize exposure to indoor pollutants
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded
funding to eight organizations throughout the United States to protect
public health by reducing exposure to indoor pollutants, such as radon, and
environmental asthma triggers commonly found in homes, schools, offices and
other large buildings. Through a competitive grant process, EPA is
providing $4.5 million in funds to ensure Americans, especially in
low-income, minority and tribal communities, are able to reduce their
exposure to indoor pollutants and safeguard their families' health.
"Partnering with these leading organizations will increase national
awareness on the importance of healthy indoor air quality in our changing
climate and will empower communities to implement public health projects
locally," said Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for the Office
of Air and Radiation.
"With these agreements, EPA advances our commitment to communities by
providing financial and technical assistance so they can take action to
prevent lung cancer, asthma episodes and other respiratory diseases."
Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air
quality an important public health issue. For example, radon is the second
leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and asthma affects more
than 25 million Americans, including 7 million children, with poor and
minority children suffering a greater burden of the disease.
EPA will collaborate with the recipients of the three-year cooperative
agreements to:
· · prevent future lung cancer deaths by reducing public
exposure to radon by mitigating risks in existing homes and schools
and by constructing new homes and schools with radon-reducing
features;
· · prevent asthma attacks, emergency room visits, and other
poor health outcomes by supporting delivery, infrastructure and/or
sustainability of environmental asthma interventions at home and
school, with a focus on populations disproportionately impacted by
asthma; and
· · prevent other poor health outcomes through expanded support
of state and local efforts to improve indoor air quality by promoting
best practices and policies.
The recipients of the "National Indoor Environments Program: Reducing
Public Exposure to Indoor Pollutants" cooperative agreements are:
· · American Lung Association, Washington, DC
· · American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest,
Springfield, Ill.
· · America's Health Insurance Plans, Washington, DC
· · Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors,
Frankfort, Ky.
· · Environmental Law Institute, Washington, DC
· · Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.
· · National Center for Healthy Housing, Columbia, Md.
· · Public Health Institute, Oakland, Calif.
For more information on these innovative projects, visit www.epa.gov/iaq.
EPA Solicits Applicants for the 2015 Environmental Justice Small Grants
Program
Contact: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293 (direct), 404-562-8400 (main),
marraccini.davina@epa.gov
ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting
applications from eligible non-profit groups and tribal communities for the
2015 Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) Program. The EJSG Program
provides funding for projects that help communities understand and address
exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks at the local level. The
application deadline is December 15, 2014.
EPA recognizes the critical role of helping communities with localized
strategies to avoid, lessen, or delay the risks and impacts associated with
our changing climate. As a result, this year's EJSG Program will have a
special emphasis on proposals supporting community-based preparedness and
resilience efforts (community climate resiliency). In an effort to ensure
that support reaches new areas, the Agency also is prioritizing funding to
organizations that have not recently received an award under the EJSG
Program.
The total estimated amount of funding available for awards under this
solicitation for fiscal year 2015 is approximately $1.2 million. EPA
anticipates awarding up to four grants per EPA region in amounts of up to
$30,000 per award for a two-year project period.
Potential applicants in the Southeast who have questions about the
application process may contact Deborah Carter, EPA Region 4's Grants
Coordinator, at 404-562-9668, or carter.deborah@epa.gov.
More information regarding the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program,
including the Request for Applications and descriptions of previously
funded grants:
http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Landmark Report Charts Path to Commercialization of Cellulosic Nanomaterials |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Potential to Improve Forest Health, Create Products, New Demand for Timber, and Jobs |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, November 24, 2014 - The U.S. Forest Service has released a report that |
|details the pathway to commercializing affordable, renewable, and biodegradable |
|cellulose nanomaterials from trees. Cellulosic nanomaterials are tiny, naturally |
|occurring structural building blocks and hold great promise for many new and improved |
|commercial products. Commercializing these materials also has the potential to create |
|hundreds of thousands of American jobs while helping to restore our nation's forests. |
| |
| |
|"This report is yet another important step toward commercializing a material that can |
|aid in restoring our nations' forests, provide jobs, and improve products that make the|
|lives of Americans better every day," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "The |
|Forest Service plans to generate greater public and market awareness of the benefits |
|and uses for these naturally-occurring nanomaterials." |
| |
| |
|The report, titled " Cellulose Nanomaterials – A Path towards Commercialization," is a |
|result of a workshop held earlier this year that brought together a wide range of |
|experts from industry, academia, and government to ensure that commercialization |
|efforts are driven by market and user materials needs. |
| |
| |
|Cellulose nanomaterials have the potential to add value to an array of new and improved|
|products across a range of industries, including electronics, construction, food, |
|energy, health care, automotive, aerospace, and defense, according to Ted Wegner, |
|assistant director at the U.S. Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, |
|Wis. |
| |
| |
|"These environmentally friendly materials are extremely attractive because they have a |
|unique combination of high strength, high stiffness, and light weight at what looks to |
|be affordable prices," Wegner explained. "Creating market pull for cellulose |
|nanomaterials is critical to its commercialization. |
| |
| |
|The success of this commercialization effort is important to the U.S. Forest Service |
|for another key reason: creating forests that are more resilient to disturbances |
|through restorative actions. Removing excess biomass from overgrown forests and making |
|it into higher value products like nanocellulose, is a win for the environment and for |
|the economy. |
| |
| |
|"Finding high-value, high-volume uses for low-value materials is the key to successful |
|forest restoration," said Michael T. Rains, Director of the Northern Research Station |
|and Forest Products Laboratory. "With about 400 million acres of America's forests in |
|need of some type of restorative action, finding markets for wood-based nanocellulose |
|could have a huge impact on the economic viability of that work." |
| |
| |
|The U.S. Forest Service, in collaboration with the U.S. National Nanotechnology |
|Initiative, organized the workshop. Participants included over 130 stakeholders from |
|large volume industrial users, specialty users, Federal Government agencies, academia, |
|non-government organizations, cellulose nanomaterials manufactures and industry |
|consultants. The workshop generated market-driven input in three areas: Opportunities |
|for Commercialization, Barriers to Commercialization, and Research and Development |
|Roles and Priorities. Issues identified by participants included the need for more data|
|on materials properties, performance, and environmental, health, and safety |
|implications and the need for a more aggressive U.S. response to opportunities for |
|advancing and developing cellulose nanomaterial. |
| |
| |
|"The workshop was a great opportunity to get research ideas directly from the people |
|who want to use the material," says World Nieh, the U.S. Forest Service's national |
|program lead for forest products. "Getting the market perspective and finding out what |
|barriers they have encountered is invaluable guidance for moving research in a |
|direction that will bring cellulose nanomaterials into the marketplace for commercial |
|use." |
| |
| |
|The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to |
|sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands |
|to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million |
|acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and |
|maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the |
|Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year |
|through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's |
|clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a|
|direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested |
|acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most |
|Americans live. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Monday, November 24, 2014
News Clippings 11.24.14
State
Sewer to river: The science of wastewater treatment
Delta Democrat Times
GREENVILLE – The Mighty Mississippi may be muddy, but it isn't
dirty.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/11/22/sewer-river-science-wastewater-treatment/19425647/
DeSoto utility board to save on bond rates, pay more for sludge removal
Commercial Appeal
The DeSoto Regional Utility Authority, overseer of the county's wastewater
treatment system, tapped into significant bond rate and insurance premium
savings, but incurred extra costs for sludge removal in the closeout of
three old facilities in west DeSoto.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/desoto-utility-board-to-save-on-bond-rates-pay-more-for-sludge-removal_96847454
Authorities working to clean gasoline spill in D'Iberville
WLOX
D'IBERVILLE, MS (WLOX) -Authorities are on the scene of a gasoline spill at
the Harrison County Barn on Rodriguez Street and Doris Deno Avenue in
D'Iberville. According to D'Iberville Fire Chief Gerald Smith the spill
occurred around 2 Friday afternoon.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27452751/authorities-working-to-clean-gasoline-spill-in-diberville
Former MDEQ Executive Director Trudy Fisher joins Butler Snow
by MBJ Staff
Published: November 21,2014
RIDGELAND — Butler Snow has announced, that Trudy D. Fisher has joined the
firm as a member of the Government and Regulatory practice group.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/21/former-mdeq-executive-director-trudy-fisher-joins-butler-snow/
Oil Spill
USM-led research consortia gets $11 million to study oil impact on Gulf
The Associated Press
November 23, 2014 at 1:12 PM
HATTIESBURG, Mississippi -- A research consortia led by the University of
Southern Mississippi will use $11 million in funding to study the impact of
oil, dispersed oil and dispersant on the Gulf of Mexico's ecosystem and
public health.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/11/usm-led_research_consortia_get.html#incart_river
Oil Boom Returns to Gulf After Deepwater Horizon Disaster
Wall Street Journal
ABOARD THE OLYMPUS PLATFORM, Gulf of Mexico—Four years after the Deepwater
Horizon disaster, giant new oil projects are returning to the Gulf—bigger
and more expensive than ever.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/oil-rigs-return-to-gulf-after-deepwater-horizon-disaster-1416599464
National
GOP senators want cost analysis in ozone rule
The Hill
Two top Republicans on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
want federal regulators to consider the costs of their upcoming rule on
ground-level ozone.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224977-gop-senators-want-cost-analysis-in-ozone-rule
EPA moves on new slate of emissions standards
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency is considering new air emission
standards for tile, sink and toilet manufacturers.
http://thehill.com/regulation/225070-epa-moves-on-new-slate-of-emissions-standards
White House threatens to put brakes on alternative fuels
LA Times
As biotech masterminds and venture capitalists scramble to hatch a new
generation of environmentally friendly fuels that can help power the
average gasoline-burning car, they are confronting an unexpected obstacle:
the White House.
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-fuel-fight-20141124-story.html
Accident at DuPont Puts Plant in Spotlight
La Porte Factory Faces Scrutiny Following Deadly Gas Leak
Wall Street Journal
By ALEXANDRA BERZON
Nov. 23, 2014 8:26 p.m. ET
DuPont Co. 's chemical plant in La Porte, Texas, for many years has gained
a strong reputation among industrial-safety experts for migrating to safer
chemicals. DuPont itself is widely credited with helping to invent safe
handling procedures for chemicals that have been adopted throughout the
industry.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/accident-at-dupont-puts-plant-in-spotlight-1416792371
Sewer to river: The science of wastewater treatment
Delta Democrat Times
GREENVILLE – The Mighty Mississippi may be muddy, but it isn't
dirty.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/11/22/sewer-river-science-wastewater-treatment/19425647/
DeSoto utility board to save on bond rates, pay more for sludge removal
Commercial Appeal
The DeSoto Regional Utility Authority, overseer of the county's wastewater
treatment system, tapped into significant bond rate and insurance premium
savings, but incurred extra costs for sludge removal in the closeout of
three old facilities in west DeSoto.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/desoto-utility-board-to-save-on-bond-rates-pay-more-for-sludge-removal_96847454
Authorities working to clean gasoline spill in D'Iberville
WLOX
D'IBERVILLE, MS (WLOX) -Authorities are on the scene of a gasoline spill at
the Harrison County Barn on Rodriguez Street and Doris Deno Avenue in
D'Iberville. According to D'Iberville Fire Chief Gerald Smith the spill
occurred around 2 Friday afternoon.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27452751/authorities-working-to-clean-gasoline-spill-in-diberville
Former MDEQ Executive Director Trudy Fisher joins Butler Snow
by MBJ Staff
Published: November 21,2014
RIDGELAND — Butler Snow has announced, that Trudy D. Fisher has joined the
firm as a member of the Government and Regulatory practice group.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/21/former-mdeq-executive-director-trudy-fisher-joins-butler-snow/
Oil Spill
USM-led research consortia gets $11 million to study oil impact on Gulf
The Associated Press
November 23, 2014 at 1:12 PM
HATTIESBURG, Mississippi -- A research consortia led by the University of
Southern Mississippi will use $11 million in funding to study the impact of
oil, dispersed oil and dispersant on the Gulf of Mexico's ecosystem and
public health.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/11/usm-led_research_consortia_get.html#incart_river
Oil Boom Returns to Gulf After Deepwater Horizon Disaster
Wall Street Journal
ABOARD THE OLYMPUS PLATFORM, Gulf of Mexico—Four years after the Deepwater
Horizon disaster, giant new oil projects are returning to the Gulf—bigger
and more expensive than ever.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/oil-rigs-return-to-gulf-after-deepwater-horizon-disaster-1416599464
National
GOP senators want cost analysis in ozone rule
The Hill
Two top Republicans on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
want federal regulators to consider the costs of their upcoming rule on
ground-level ozone.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224977-gop-senators-want-cost-analysis-in-ozone-rule
EPA moves on new slate of emissions standards
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency is considering new air emission
standards for tile, sink and toilet manufacturers.
http://thehill.com/regulation/225070-epa-moves-on-new-slate-of-emissions-standards
White House threatens to put brakes on alternative fuels
LA Times
As biotech masterminds and venture capitalists scramble to hatch a new
generation of environmentally friendly fuels that can help power the
average gasoline-burning car, they are confronting an unexpected obstacle:
the White House.
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-fuel-fight-20141124-story.html
Accident at DuPont Puts Plant in Spotlight
La Porte Factory Faces Scrutiny Following Deadly Gas Leak
Wall Street Journal
By ALEXANDRA BERZON
Nov. 23, 2014 8:26 p.m. ET
DuPont Co. 's chemical plant in La Porte, Texas, for many years has gained
a strong reputation among industrial-safety experts for migrating to safer
chemicals. DuPont itself is widely credited with helping to invent safe
handling procedures for chemicals that have been adopted throughout the
industry.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/accident-at-dupont-puts-plant-in-spotlight-1416792371
Friday, November 21, 2014
News Clippings 11.21.14
State
Rollback of environmental regs might not be best move for Republican
Congress
MBJ
by Becky Gillette
Published: November 20,2014
Some environmental groups are warning that the Republican takeover of
Congress could result in a major attack on environmental regulations. Mitch
McConnell from coal-heavy Kentucky, expected to be the new Senate Majority
Leader, has said his top priority next year is to rein in the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/20/rollback-environmental-regs-might-best-move-republican-congress/
Report: Mississippi could see 12,000 new jobs, $244M in annual revenue from
eastern Gulf drilling
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
November 20, 2014 at 4:50 PM
Mississippi could gain more than 12,000 jobs and nearly $244 million per
year in revenue by 2035 if areas of the eastern Gulf of Mexico now off
limits to oil and gas exploration are opened, a new report says.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/11/report_mississippi_could_see_1.html#incart_river
Analyst: KiOR Columbus plant may end up sold as scrap
MBJ
by jack.weatherly
Published: November 20,2014
By Jack weatherly
Finding a buyer for the idled KiOR biofuels plant at Columbus would be a
tough sell, according to Pavel Molchanov, an equity analyst who had covered
Pasadena, Texas-based KiOR Inc. until it filed for bankruptcy protection on
Nov. 9.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/20/analyst-kior-columbus-plant-may-end-sold-scrap/
State's new banking chief Charlotte Corley has deep roots in the business
MBJ
by Ted Carter
Published: November 20,2014
Mississippi's bankers should have no difficulty recognizing the name of the
state's new banking commissioner.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/20/states-new-banking-chief-charlotte-corley-deep-roots-business/
Oil Spill
Dauphin Island officials pitch $58 million beach restoration project
through oil spill funds
Press-Register
Dennis Pillion
DAUPHIN ISLAND, Alabama -- Hoping to make one of Alabama's barrier islands
a bit more of a barrier to winds, tides and major storms, Dauphin Island
officials are hoping to secure oil spill restoration funding for a major
beach rejuvenation project on the west end of the island.
http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2014/11/dauphin_island_hoping_to_secur.html#incart_river
Alabama researchers land $6.4 million grant to study biodiversity's role in
oil spill recovery
Press-Register
Dennis Pillion
DAUPHIN ISLAND, Alabama -- Coastal Alabama is well-known for its vast
biological diversity and now a consortium of in-state researchers has been
awarded a major grant to investigate how that wide range of marine life may
have helped the state cope with oil and dispersants coming from the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2014/11/dauphin_island_sea_lab_lands_6.html
Regional
Oil company pleads guilty to illegal dumping in Breton Sound, will pay $3
million fine
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
November 20, 2014 at 3:36 PM
An Oklahoma oil company has pled guilty in federal court in New Orleans to
dumping brine and produced water in Breton Sound, in violation of the Clean
Water Act. XPLOR Energy SPV-1, Inc., has agreed to pay a $3.1 million fine
and serve a 3-year probation term, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite announced.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/11/oil_company_pleads_guilty_to_d.html#incart_river
Explosion on Gulf of Mexico Oil Platform Kills One, Injures Three
Wall Street Journal
An explosion at an offshore oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico
killed one worker and injured three others Thursday afternoon, the Bureau
of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/explosion-on-gulf-of-mexico-oil-platform-kills-one-injures-three-1416540625
National
House passes bill to enhance EPA reporting requirements
The Hill
The House on Thursday passed legislation to enhance the Environmental
Protection Agency's reporting requirements for the number of
pre-construction permits it issues under the Clean Air Act.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/224843-house-passes-bill-to-enhance-epa-reporting-requirements
Lawmakers push for delay in EPA furnace rules
The Hill
Dozens of members of Congress asked the Environmental Protection Agency to
delay the proposed timeline to enforce new emissions rules for residential
wood furnaces.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224865-lawmakers-push-for-delay-in-epa-furnace-rules
GOP bill would give EPA's fishing regulations the hook
The Hill
A pair of GOP senators is pushing legislation to delay looming
Environmental Protection Agency regulations requiring certain commercial
fisherman to carry special permits to hose down their decks.
http://thehill.com/regulation/224885-gop-bill-would-give-epas-fishing-regulations-the-hook
Press releases
Collaboration with Federal and State Agencies, Rice Growers and Industry
Further Protect Endangered Salmon and Steelhead Trout
WASHINGTON —Collaboration among federal and state agencies, rice growers
and industry has created federally enforceable restrictions of the
pesticide thiobencarb to protect threatened and endangered salmon and
steelhead trout in California.
"Working hand-in-hand with our partners we have met the critical
environmental and economic goals of protecting threatened and endangered
salmon and steelhead trout while maintaining rice production in
California," said Jim Jones, Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety
and Pollution Prevention. "This was achieved by creating a unique approach
tailored to specific geographic locations critical to salmon and
considering the needs of rice growers. I am proud of our joint efforts to
protect threatened and endangered salmon."
"This is a smart approach to pesticide use that includes important
safeguards for protected fish while still allowing growers to care for
their crops," said Will Stelle, administrator of NOAA Fisheries' West Coast
Region." This demonstrates that we can find balanced and workable solutions
through collaboration."
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Department of Pesticide
Regulation (CDPR), the California Rice Commission, and Valent, the
manufacturer of the pesticide thiobencarb worked to put these restrictions
in place.
The CDPR put in place measures to protect salmon and steelhead trout based
on proximity to endangered species habitat according to NOAA Fisheries
geographic locations and information from rice growers. After reviewing
CDPR's data on pesticide use and the state's protective measures, NOAA
Fisheries found that thiobencarb use on rice in California would not
jeopardize salmon and steelhead trout provided protective measures
currently being applied in California are ensured.
EPA is now making California's geographic use limits federally enforceable
by incorporating them into the pesticide label. These use limitations will
be effective April 1, 2015. This action represents EPA's first
implementation of a NOAA Fisheries salmon and steelhead trout Biological
Opinion. This action was a result of litigation brought against EPA and
NOAA Fisheries by the Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC) and the Northwest
Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP). NOAA Fisheries' final
Biological Opinion for thiobencarb and can be found at:
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/consultation/opinions/biop_thiobencarb.pdf .
The protection measures included in the NOAA Fisheries' final Biological
Opinion came from several sources including the California enforcement
standards, the use limitations on California's on-line database that
recommends protective measures for endangered and threatened species and
from the management practices the California Rice Commission receives from
the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
California is the only state within the range of Pacific salmon and
steelhead trout where rice is grown. Thiobencarb is typically used on rice
from May 1 through June 15.
View the Thiobencarb use restrictions for endangered salmon in 14
California counties where rice is grown at:
www2.epa.gov/endangered-species/thiobencarb-use-limitations.
For more information on endangered species protection bulletins visit
Bulletins Live site at: www.epa.gov/oppfead1/endanger/bulletins.htm.
Rollback of environmental regs might not be best move for Republican
Congress
MBJ
by Becky Gillette
Published: November 20,2014
Some environmental groups are warning that the Republican takeover of
Congress could result in a major attack on environmental regulations. Mitch
McConnell from coal-heavy Kentucky, expected to be the new Senate Majority
Leader, has said his top priority next year is to rein in the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/20/rollback-environmental-regs-might-best-move-republican-congress/
Report: Mississippi could see 12,000 new jobs, $244M in annual revenue from
eastern Gulf drilling
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
November 20, 2014 at 4:50 PM
Mississippi could gain more than 12,000 jobs and nearly $244 million per
year in revenue by 2035 if areas of the eastern Gulf of Mexico now off
limits to oil and gas exploration are opened, a new report says.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/11/report_mississippi_could_see_1.html#incart_river
Analyst: KiOR Columbus plant may end up sold as scrap
MBJ
by jack.weatherly
Published: November 20,2014
By Jack weatherly
Finding a buyer for the idled KiOR biofuels plant at Columbus would be a
tough sell, according to Pavel Molchanov, an equity analyst who had covered
Pasadena, Texas-based KiOR Inc. until it filed for bankruptcy protection on
Nov. 9.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/20/analyst-kior-columbus-plant-may-end-sold-scrap/
State's new banking chief Charlotte Corley has deep roots in the business
MBJ
by Ted Carter
Published: November 20,2014
Mississippi's bankers should have no difficulty recognizing the name of the
state's new banking commissioner.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/20/states-new-banking-chief-charlotte-corley-deep-roots-business/
Oil Spill
Dauphin Island officials pitch $58 million beach restoration project
through oil spill funds
Press-Register
Dennis Pillion
DAUPHIN ISLAND, Alabama -- Hoping to make one of Alabama's barrier islands
a bit more of a barrier to winds, tides and major storms, Dauphin Island
officials are hoping to secure oil spill restoration funding for a major
beach rejuvenation project on the west end of the island.
http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2014/11/dauphin_island_hoping_to_secur.html#incart_river
Alabama researchers land $6.4 million grant to study biodiversity's role in
oil spill recovery
Press-Register
Dennis Pillion
DAUPHIN ISLAND, Alabama -- Coastal Alabama is well-known for its vast
biological diversity and now a consortium of in-state researchers has been
awarded a major grant to investigate how that wide range of marine life may
have helped the state cope with oil and dispersants coming from the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2014/11/dauphin_island_sea_lab_lands_6.html
Regional
Oil company pleads guilty to illegal dumping in Breton Sound, will pay $3
million fine
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
November 20, 2014 at 3:36 PM
An Oklahoma oil company has pled guilty in federal court in New Orleans to
dumping brine and produced water in Breton Sound, in violation of the Clean
Water Act. XPLOR Energy SPV-1, Inc., has agreed to pay a $3.1 million fine
and serve a 3-year probation term, U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite announced.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/11/oil_company_pleads_guilty_to_d.html#incart_river
Explosion on Gulf of Mexico Oil Platform Kills One, Injures Three
Wall Street Journal
An explosion at an offshore oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico
killed one worker and injured three others Thursday afternoon, the Bureau
of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/explosion-on-gulf-of-mexico-oil-platform-kills-one-injures-three-1416540625
National
House passes bill to enhance EPA reporting requirements
The Hill
The House on Thursday passed legislation to enhance the Environmental
Protection Agency's reporting requirements for the number of
pre-construction permits it issues under the Clean Air Act.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/224843-house-passes-bill-to-enhance-epa-reporting-requirements
Lawmakers push for delay in EPA furnace rules
The Hill
Dozens of members of Congress asked the Environmental Protection Agency to
delay the proposed timeline to enforce new emissions rules for residential
wood furnaces.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224865-lawmakers-push-for-delay-in-epa-furnace-rules
GOP bill would give EPA's fishing regulations the hook
The Hill
A pair of GOP senators is pushing legislation to delay looming
Environmental Protection Agency regulations requiring certain commercial
fisherman to carry special permits to hose down their decks.
http://thehill.com/regulation/224885-gop-bill-would-give-epas-fishing-regulations-the-hook
Press releases
Collaboration with Federal and State Agencies, Rice Growers and Industry
Further Protect Endangered Salmon and Steelhead Trout
WASHINGTON —Collaboration among federal and state agencies, rice growers
and industry has created federally enforceable restrictions of the
pesticide thiobencarb to protect threatened and endangered salmon and
steelhead trout in California.
"Working hand-in-hand with our partners we have met the critical
environmental and economic goals of protecting threatened and endangered
salmon and steelhead trout while maintaining rice production in
California," said Jim Jones, Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety
and Pollution Prevention. "This was achieved by creating a unique approach
tailored to specific geographic locations critical to salmon and
considering the needs of rice growers. I am proud of our joint efforts to
protect threatened and endangered salmon."
"This is a smart approach to pesticide use that includes important
safeguards for protected fish while still allowing growers to care for
their crops," said Will Stelle, administrator of NOAA Fisheries' West Coast
Region." This demonstrates that we can find balanced and workable solutions
through collaboration."
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Department of Pesticide
Regulation (CDPR), the California Rice Commission, and Valent, the
manufacturer of the pesticide thiobencarb worked to put these restrictions
in place.
The CDPR put in place measures to protect salmon and steelhead trout based
on proximity to endangered species habitat according to NOAA Fisheries
geographic locations and information from rice growers. After reviewing
CDPR's data on pesticide use and the state's protective measures, NOAA
Fisheries found that thiobencarb use on rice in California would not
jeopardize salmon and steelhead trout provided protective measures
currently being applied in California are ensured.
EPA is now making California's geographic use limits federally enforceable
by incorporating them into the pesticide label. These use limitations will
be effective April 1, 2015. This action represents EPA's first
implementation of a NOAA Fisheries salmon and steelhead trout Biological
Opinion. This action was a result of litigation brought against EPA and
NOAA Fisheries by the Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC) and the Northwest
Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP). NOAA Fisheries' final
Biological Opinion for thiobencarb and can be found at:
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/consultation/opinions/biop_thiobencarb.pdf .
The protection measures included in the NOAA Fisheries' final Biological
Opinion came from several sources including the California enforcement
standards, the use limitations on California's on-line database that
recommends protective measures for endangered and threatened species and
from the management practices the California Rice Commission receives from
the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
California is the only state within the range of Pacific salmon and
steelhead trout where rice is grown. Thiobencarb is typically used on rice
from May 1 through June 15.
View the Thiobencarb use restrictions for endangered salmon in 14
California counties where rice is grown at:
www2.epa.gov/endangered-species/thiobencarb-use-limitations.
For more information on endangered species protection bulletins visit
Bulletins Live site at: www.epa.gov/oppfead1/endanger/bulletins.htm.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
News Clippings 11/20/14
State
Tidleands will pay for millions in projects along Mississippi beaches,
rivers
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
GULFPORT -- Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann brought a Tidelands Fund
check for more than $9.5 million to the Coast on Wednesday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/11/19/5924126_tidleands-will-pay-for-millions.html?sp=/99/100/&rh=1
Hub City recycling plans firming up for first of year
Hattiesburg American
For Hattiesburg residents interested in recycling, the city's
curbside service shouldn't miss a beat after the first of the year.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2014/11/19/city-continue-recycling/19306741/
SCUA to seek service expansion funds
Stone County enterprise
By Jody O'Hara
Nov 14, 2014, 11:13
The Stone County Utility Authority voted Monday to authorize a grant writer
to seek grants which would allow the authority to expand its services to a
larger number of customers.
http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_2370.shtml
Solar farm shines in Chickasaw County
By Floyd Ingram
Chickasaw Journal
CHICKASAW COUNTY – It was a sunny day Wednesday in Chickasaw County as dirt
was turned on a new 30-acre, $9 million solar farm south of Okolona.
http://djournal.com/news/solar-farm-shines-chickasaw-county/
Oil Spill
After Gulf oil spill, filmmaker returns to see what happened when the
cameras had gone
November 19, 2014 at 6:25 PM EST
PBS News Hour
GWEN IFILL: Now: the continuing effects of the Gulf Coast oil spill.
It may not be in the headlines as much as it once was, but some communities
are still coping with its aftermath.
A new documentary showing in select theaters around the country returns to
— the spotlight to those issues.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/gulf-oil-spill-filmmaker-returns-see-happened-cameras-gone/
Seafood workers to get second $500 million round of oil spill payments
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
November 19, 2014 at 2:20 PM
A federal judge in New Orleans has approved a second $500 million round of
oil spill payments to seafood workers. BP had fought to delay the payments,
pointing to what it sees as problems within the compensation program.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/11/seafood_workers_to_get_second.html
State seeks $77M in oil spill money for watersheds
Pensacola News Journal
The state is seeking $77 million of RESTORE Act funding on five
proposals made up of 20 projects aimed at addressing high priority
restoration needs in 10 major watersheds from Perdido Bay to Tampa
Bay.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2014/11/19/state-seeks-oil-spill-money-watersheds/19294623/
National
House passes bill to limit EPA 'secret science'
The Hill
The House on Wednesday passed legislation to prevent the Environmental
Protection Agency from issuing new regulations unless it provides the
scientific data to justify them.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/224741-house-passes-bill-to-limit-epa-secret-science
Greens say EPA can cut methane emissions in half
The Hill
Top environmental groups said it's feasible for federal regulations to cut
pollution from Earth-warming methane in half.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224821-greens-say-epa-can-cut-methane-emissions-in-half
Report: EPA paid employees on leave for years
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency paid some employees who were on
administrative leave for years, according to a watchdog report.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224697-report-epa-paid-employees-on-leave-for-years
Press Releases
REP. HARPER TO SERVE AS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF ENVIRONMENT AND THE ECONOMY
SUBCOMMITTEE
CONTACT: Jordan See
Nov 19, 2014 Issues: Congressional Issues, Energy
WASHINGTON – Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.),
today named Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Vice Chair of the Environment and
the Economy Subcommittee. The subcommittee is led by Chairman John Shimkus
(R-Ill.).
"Congressman Harper will play a key role as Vice Chairman of the
Environment and the Economy Subcommittee," Upton said. "During his tenure
on the Energy and Commerce Committee, he's been a leader in promoting job
growth, reducing burdensome regulations, and investigating wasteful
government programs that hinder America's small businesses and industry. I
am confident Congressman Harper will continue to further our record of
success in the 114th Congress and I welcome him into his new leadership
role."
The subcommittee, with its oversight of key environmental laws and
programs, focuses on the intersection of regulations and jobs. As a
longtime advocate for American-made energy, Harper believes that Congress
must advance ideas that safely promote and build a steady supply of
American energy.
"I am honored to be named Vice Chairman of the Environment and the Economy
Subcommittee and I look forward to working closely with Chairman Shimkus,"
Harper said. "At a time when our economy is still struggling to recover and
accelerated job creation is needed, I look forward to working with my
colleagues on the committee to promote common sense policies that will spur
economic growth and innovations, achieve meaningful regulatory reform, and
protect consumers and the environment."
###
SECRETARY OF STATE RETURNS OVER $9.5-MILLION TO GULF COAST
Gulfport, MS - Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann presented the
Mississippi Gulf Coast Legislative Delegation and the Department of Marine
Resources with a check for $9,571,616.89 to benefit Gulf Coast residents.
"Preserving our Coastal areas is vital to the Mississippi Gulf Coast," says
Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. "This $9.5 - Million is a crucial
component of that goal. The Secretary of State's Office remains committed
to ensuring State owned lands are benefiting the tax payer."
"The Tidelands trust fund represents the State's largest annual investment
in coastal marsh preservation, marine education and environmental
conservation of Mississippi's marine resources," says Jamie Miller,
Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.
"These funds provide the key infrastructure to access our incredible
coastal tidelands and support the management of important agency programs."
These funds have been allocated by the Mississippi State Legislature to
Gulf Coast counties for research and access to the Gulf.
As part of his statutory duties, the Secretary of State determines the
Tidelands lease amounts on behalf of Mississippi. Rent is collected from
tidelands leaseholders by the Secretary of State and then delivered to the
Department of Marine Resources after the close of the fiscal year.
EPA to Assist Water Utilities in Bolstering Climate Resilience and
Readiness
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing up to
$600,000 in training and technical assistance to help water utilities in
more than 20 communities bolster their climate change resilience and
readiness.
"Climate change isn't a distant threat – it is already impacting
communities across the country," said Ken Kopocis, deputy assistant
administrator for EPA's Office of Water. "EPA is helping water utilities
plan for and adapt to these challenges to ensure that they can continue to
meet their public health and environmental missions no matter what
circumstances may arise in the future."
Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater utilities will participate in a
multi-year program to prepare for potential impacts from climate change.
Challenges include droughts, more intense and frequent storms, flooding,
sea-level rise and changes to water quality. Communities will receive
technical assistance in using EPA's Climate Resilience Evaluation and
Awareness Tool, software that helps users identify assets, threats and
adaptation options to help reduce risk from climate change.
Communities receiving assistance from EPA include:
•Auburn, Ala.
•Austin, Texas
•Blair, Neb.
•Bozeman, Mont.
•Faribault, Minn.
•Fredericktown, Mo.
•Haworth, N.J.
•Helena, Mont.
•Henryville, Ind.
•Hillsboro, Kan.
•Houston, Texas
•Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.
•Nome, Ark.
•Norfolk, Va.
•Portsmouth, N.H.
•Redwood Valley, Calif.
•Sandpoint, Idaho
• Seminole Tribe of Florida, Fla.
During each risk assessment, utilities will consider potential future
climate change impacts in an effort to build more climate-ready and
resilient water services and infrastructure.
Such risk assessments will, for instance, help utilities:
• use adaptation options to better protect critical pump stations from
projected precipitation events;
• use conservation measures to prepare for projected reduced snowpack or
less-frequent rainfall events; and
• prepare infrastructure for increased salinity to deal with projected
sea-level rise.
These examples illustrate the variety of adaptation options utilities can
identify and build into planning based on their risk assessments.
More information:
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/climate/index.cfm
EPA Names 2014 Green Power Leaders
The agency recognizes leading organizations, businesses in Calif., Colo.,
Mich., N.J., N.H., Okla., Ore., Pa., Tenn., Va., Wash., Wis.
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
announces its annual Green Power Leadership Awards, recognizing 19 Green
Power Partners and four suppliers across the country—including the cities
of Philadelphia and Las Vegas, Apple, Kohl's, and Trek Bicycle
Corporation--for achievements in advancing the nation's renewable energy
market and reducing greenhouse gas emissions fueling climate change.
"By using more than 7.6 billion kilowatt-hours of green power annually,
these communities, businesses, and organizations are leading the way in
cutting U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the impacts of climate
change, and protecting public health," said EPA Administrator Gina
McCarthy. "These partners demonstrate that green power is not only a smart
business investment, but it's affordable, accessible and it reduces
emissions while growing the renewable energy market and spurring
innovation."
Green power is electricity that is generated from renewable sources,
including solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, and low-impact hydroelectric
sources. Green power does not produce fossil fuel-based greenhouse gas
emissions that fuel climate change. The award winners below are being
recognized for their efforts in expanding the domestic renewable energy
market. From using enough green power to meet more than 100 percent of
electricity needs to installing solar arrays on-site or entering long-term
power purchase agreements, these organizations are demonstrating that green
power is both accessible and affordable.
The award-winning partners were chosen for their exemplary use of green
power from more than 1,300 partner organizations that comprise EPA's Green
Power Partnership. Utilities, renewable energy project developers, and
other green power suppliers are eligible to apply for the Green Power
Supplier award.
EPA, through the Green Power Partnership, works with partner organizations
to use green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated
with conventional electricity use. The Partnership currently has more than
1,300 partner organizations voluntarily using billions of kilowatt-hours of
green power annually. Partners include a wide variety of leading
organizations such as Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized
businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and
universities.
The 2014 Green Power Leadership Awards will be presented on Dec. 3, 2014,
at the annual Renewable Energy Markets Conference in Sacramento, Calif.
Winners are listed below in the following categories:
Green Power Partner of the Year: Apple Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.); BD
(Franklin Lakes, N.J.); Google Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.); Oklahoma State
University (Stillwater, Okla.)
Green Power Purchasing: City of Houston, Texas; City of Beaverton, Ore.;
Town of Peterborough, N.H.; Herman Miller, Inc. (Zeeland, Mich.);
Philadelphia Insurance Companies (Bala Cynwyd, Pa..); Steelcase Inc. (Grand
Rapids, Mich.); REI (Kent, Wash.); Trek Bicycle Corporation (Waterloo,
Wis.);June Key Delta Community Center (Portland, Ore.)
On-Site Generation: City of Las Vegas, Nev.; City of Philadelphia, Pa.
Sustained Excellence in Green Power: Intel Corporation (Santa Clara,
Calif.); Kohl's Department Stores (Menomonee Falls, Wis.)
Green Power Community of the Year: Medford, Ore.; Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Green Power Supplier of the Year: 3DegreesGroup, Inc. (San Francisco,
Calif.); Portland General Electric (Portland, Ore.); Renewable Choice
Energy (Boulder, Colo.); Washington Gas Energy Services (Herndon, Va.)
More on the 2014 Green Power Leadership award winners:
http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/awards/winners.htm
Tidleands will pay for millions in projects along Mississippi beaches,
rivers
Sun Herald
BY PAUL HAMPTON
GULFPORT -- Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann brought a Tidelands Fund
check for more than $9.5 million to the Coast on Wednesday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/11/19/5924126_tidleands-will-pay-for-millions.html?sp=/99/100/&rh=1
Hub City recycling plans firming up for first of year
Hattiesburg American
For Hattiesburg residents interested in recycling, the city's
curbside service shouldn't miss a beat after the first of the year.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2014/11/19/city-continue-recycling/19306741/
SCUA to seek service expansion funds
Stone County enterprise
By Jody O'Hara
Nov 14, 2014, 11:13
The Stone County Utility Authority voted Monday to authorize a grant writer
to seek grants which would allow the authority to expand its services to a
larger number of customers.
http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_2370.shtml
Solar farm shines in Chickasaw County
By Floyd Ingram
Chickasaw Journal
CHICKASAW COUNTY – It was a sunny day Wednesday in Chickasaw County as dirt
was turned on a new 30-acre, $9 million solar farm south of Okolona.
http://djournal.com/news/solar-farm-shines-chickasaw-county/
Oil Spill
After Gulf oil spill, filmmaker returns to see what happened when the
cameras had gone
November 19, 2014 at 6:25 PM EST
PBS News Hour
GWEN IFILL: Now: the continuing effects of the Gulf Coast oil spill.
It may not be in the headlines as much as it once was, but some communities
are still coping with its aftermath.
A new documentary showing in select theaters around the country returns to
— the spotlight to those issues.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/gulf-oil-spill-filmmaker-returns-see-happened-cameras-gone/
Seafood workers to get second $500 million round of oil spill payments
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
November 19, 2014 at 2:20 PM
A federal judge in New Orleans has approved a second $500 million round of
oil spill payments to seafood workers. BP had fought to delay the payments,
pointing to what it sees as problems within the compensation program.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/11/seafood_workers_to_get_second.html
State seeks $77M in oil spill money for watersheds
Pensacola News Journal
The state is seeking $77 million of RESTORE Act funding on five
proposals made up of 20 projects aimed at addressing high priority
restoration needs in 10 major watersheds from Perdido Bay to Tampa
Bay.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2014/11/19/state-seeks-oil-spill-money-watersheds/19294623/
National
House passes bill to limit EPA 'secret science'
The Hill
The House on Wednesday passed legislation to prevent the Environmental
Protection Agency from issuing new regulations unless it provides the
scientific data to justify them.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/224741-house-passes-bill-to-limit-epa-secret-science
Greens say EPA can cut methane emissions in half
The Hill
Top environmental groups said it's feasible for federal regulations to cut
pollution from Earth-warming methane in half.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224821-greens-say-epa-can-cut-methane-emissions-in-half
Report: EPA paid employees on leave for years
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency paid some employees who were on
administrative leave for years, according to a watchdog report.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224697-report-epa-paid-employees-on-leave-for-years
Press Releases
REP. HARPER TO SERVE AS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF ENVIRONMENT AND THE ECONOMY
SUBCOMMITTEE
CONTACT: Jordan See
Nov 19, 2014 Issues: Congressional Issues, Energy
WASHINGTON – Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.),
today named Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), Vice Chair of the Environment and
the Economy Subcommittee. The subcommittee is led by Chairman John Shimkus
(R-Ill.).
"Congressman Harper will play a key role as Vice Chairman of the
Environment and the Economy Subcommittee," Upton said. "During his tenure
on the Energy and Commerce Committee, he's been a leader in promoting job
growth, reducing burdensome regulations, and investigating wasteful
government programs that hinder America's small businesses and industry. I
am confident Congressman Harper will continue to further our record of
success in the 114th Congress and I welcome him into his new leadership
role."
The subcommittee, with its oversight of key environmental laws and
programs, focuses on the intersection of regulations and jobs. As a
longtime advocate for American-made energy, Harper believes that Congress
must advance ideas that safely promote and build a steady supply of
American energy.
"I am honored to be named Vice Chairman of the Environment and the Economy
Subcommittee and I look forward to working closely with Chairman Shimkus,"
Harper said. "At a time when our economy is still struggling to recover and
accelerated job creation is needed, I look forward to working with my
colleagues on the committee to promote common sense policies that will spur
economic growth and innovations, achieve meaningful regulatory reform, and
protect consumers and the environment."
###
SECRETARY OF STATE RETURNS OVER $9.5-MILLION TO GULF COAST
Gulfport, MS - Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann presented the
Mississippi Gulf Coast Legislative Delegation and the Department of Marine
Resources with a check for $9,571,616.89 to benefit Gulf Coast residents.
"Preserving our Coastal areas is vital to the Mississippi Gulf Coast," says
Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. "This $9.5 - Million is a crucial
component of that goal. The Secretary of State's Office remains committed
to ensuring State owned lands are benefiting the tax payer."
"The Tidelands trust fund represents the State's largest annual investment
in coastal marsh preservation, marine education and environmental
conservation of Mississippi's marine resources," says Jamie Miller,
Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.
"These funds provide the key infrastructure to access our incredible
coastal tidelands and support the management of important agency programs."
These funds have been allocated by the Mississippi State Legislature to
Gulf Coast counties for research and access to the Gulf.
As part of his statutory duties, the Secretary of State determines the
Tidelands lease amounts on behalf of Mississippi. Rent is collected from
tidelands leaseholders by the Secretary of State and then delivered to the
Department of Marine Resources after the close of the fiscal year.
EPA to Assist Water Utilities in Bolstering Climate Resilience and
Readiness
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing up to
$600,000 in training and technical assistance to help water utilities in
more than 20 communities bolster their climate change resilience and
readiness.
"Climate change isn't a distant threat – it is already impacting
communities across the country," said Ken Kopocis, deputy assistant
administrator for EPA's Office of Water. "EPA is helping water utilities
plan for and adapt to these challenges to ensure that they can continue to
meet their public health and environmental missions no matter what
circumstances may arise in the future."
Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater utilities will participate in a
multi-year program to prepare for potential impacts from climate change.
Challenges include droughts, more intense and frequent storms, flooding,
sea-level rise and changes to water quality. Communities will receive
technical assistance in using EPA's Climate Resilience Evaluation and
Awareness Tool, software that helps users identify assets, threats and
adaptation options to help reduce risk from climate change.
Communities receiving assistance from EPA include:
•Auburn, Ala.
•Austin, Texas
•Blair, Neb.
•Bozeman, Mont.
•Faribault, Minn.
•Fredericktown, Mo.
•Haworth, N.J.
•Helena, Mont.
•Henryville, Ind.
•Hillsboro, Kan.
•Houston, Texas
•Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.
•Nome, Ark.
•Norfolk, Va.
•Portsmouth, N.H.
•Redwood Valley, Calif.
•Sandpoint, Idaho
• Seminole Tribe of Florida, Fla.
During each risk assessment, utilities will consider potential future
climate change impacts in an effort to build more climate-ready and
resilient water services and infrastructure.
Such risk assessments will, for instance, help utilities:
• use adaptation options to better protect critical pump stations from
projected precipitation events;
• use conservation measures to prepare for projected reduced snowpack or
less-frequent rainfall events; and
• prepare infrastructure for increased salinity to deal with projected
sea-level rise.
These examples illustrate the variety of adaptation options utilities can
identify and build into planning based on their risk assessments.
More information:
http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity/climate/index.cfm
EPA Names 2014 Green Power Leaders
The agency recognizes leading organizations, businesses in Calif., Colo.,
Mich., N.J., N.H., Okla., Ore., Pa., Tenn., Va., Wash., Wis.
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
announces its annual Green Power Leadership Awards, recognizing 19 Green
Power Partners and four suppliers across the country—including the cities
of Philadelphia and Las Vegas, Apple, Kohl's, and Trek Bicycle
Corporation--for achievements in advancing the nation's renewable energy
market and reducing greenhouse gas emissions fueling climate change.
"By using more than 7.6 billion kilowatt-hours of green power annually,
these communities, businesses, and organizations are leading the way in
cutting U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the impacts of climate
change, and protecting public health," said EPA Administrator Gina
McCarthy. "These partners demonstrate that green power is not only a smart
business investment, but it's affordable, accessible and it reduces
emissions while growing the renewable energy market and spurring
innovation."
Green power is electricity that is generated from renewable sources,
including solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, and low-impact hydroelectric
sources. Green power does not produce fossil fuel-based greenhouse gas
emissions that fuel climate change. The award winners below are being
recognized for their efforts in expanding the domestic renewable energy
market. From using enough green power to meet more than 100 percent of
electricity needs to installing solar arrays on-site or entering long-term
power purchase agreements, these organizations are demonstrating that green
power is both accessible and affordable.
The award-winning partners were chosen for their exemplary use of green
power from more than 1,300 partner organizations that comprise EPA's Green
Power Partnership. Utilities, renewable energy project developers, and
other green power suppliers are eligible to apply for the Green Power
Supplier award.
EPA, through the Green Power Partnership, works with partner organizations
to use green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated
with conventional electricity use. The Partnership currently has more than
1,300 partner organizations voluntarily using billions of kilowatt-hours of
green power annually. Partners include a wide variety of leading
organizations such as Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized
businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and
universities.
The 2014 Green Power Leadership Awards will be presented on Dec. 3, 2014,
at the annual Renewable Energy Markets Conference in Sacramento, Calif.
Winners are listed below in the following categories:
Green Power Partner of the Year: Apple Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.); BD
(Franklin Lakes, N.J.); Google Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.); Oklahoma State
University (Stillwater, Okla.)
Green Power Purchasing: City of Houston, Texas; City of Beaverton, Ore.;
Town of Peterborough, N.H.; Herman Miller, Inc. (Zeeland, Mich.);
Philadelphia Insurance Companies (Bala Cynwyd, Pa..); Steelcase Inc. (Grand
Rapids, Mich.); REI (Kent, Wash.); Trek Bicycle Corporation (Waterloo,
Wis.);June Key Delta Community Center (Portland, Ore.)
On-Site Generation: City of Las Vegas, Nev.; City of Philadelphia, Pa.
Sustained Excellence in Green Power: Intel Corporation (Santa Clara,
Calif.); Kohl's Department Stores (Menomonee Falls, Wis.)
Green Power Community of the Year: Medford, Ore.; Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Green Power Supplier of the Year: 3DegreesGroup, Inc. (San Francisco,
Calif.); Portland General Electric (Portland, Ore.); Renewable Choice
Energy (Boulder, Colo.); Washington Gas Energy Services (Herndon, Va.)
More on the 2014 Green Power Leadership award winners:
http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/awards/winners.htm
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
News Clippings 11.19.14
State
Waste grants issued for North Mississippi
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality has awarded two grants for waste disposal programs in north
Mississippi.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Waste-grants-issued-for-North-Mississippi/YNcTp3TWmk2xTWZyrLhZ5w.cspx
Bid rejection proves costly
Justin Vicory
Enterprise-Journal
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 2:00 pm
LIBERTY — The Amite County School Board's decision to reject bids for oil
leases in hopes of holding out for more money has cost the district
anywhere from $1.8 million to $3.6 million, and district officials are
uncertain if they will see more bids.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_930304a8-6f53-11e4-ae08-db5d97cd8732.html
CEO Shares His Plan for Aluminum Production
WCBI
LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. – (WCBI) As the automotive industry seeks lighter,
stronger materials to improve gas mileage and safety, Dr. Roger Boggs,
founder and president of American Specialty Alloys is prepared to meet
those needs. With plans to settle in the Southeast, Boggs has had his eye
on Lowndes County since 2007. He came to work at what is now known as
Severstal. He decided to use similar technologies to make a the next
generation of aluminum products.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/video-plant-ceo-shares-his-plan-for-aluminum-production
Oil Spill
Mississppi Awarded $28 Million for Gulf Restoration Projects
WXXV
This week, Mississippi was awarded $28 million more in settlements from the
BP oil spill. The money will be used to fund Gulf restoration projects with
decent paying jobs for years to come.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Mississppi-Awarded-28-Million-for-Gulf/zwtL6KFcJkOn9ysYBpwzzQ.cspx
AL.com's editorial board discusses ongoing efforts to restore the Gulf of
Mexico with officials from the state council
Michael Finch II
November 18, 2014 at 1:00 PM
MOBILE, Alabama -- As money flows from the companies liable for the oil
spill and down to the states, the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council will
be a big player in determining how the cash is spent.
http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/11/alcoms_editorial_board_meets_t.html
Experts: Oil spill may have set back Texas sea turtles' recovery
Houston Chronicle
BROWNSVILLE - For two decades, Texas' official sea turtle made what
scientists considered a remarkable comeback from the verge of extinction,
as Kemp's ridley nests increased amid broad efforts to save the species.
Then in 2010, a fiery explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon oil platform
dumped an estimated 4.1 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico just
as the turtle's nesting season was getting underway.
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/science-environment/article/Experts-Oil-spill-may-have-set-back-Texas-sea-5902475.php
BP appealing to have oil spill settlement administrator removed
by Associated Press
Published: November 19,2014
NEW ORLEANS — BP is heading to a federal appeals court in its effort to
oust the administrator of damage settlement claims arising from the 2010
Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/19/bp-appealing-oil-spill-settlement-administrator-removed/
Ga. Researchers given Gulf Coast research grant
AP
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - University of Georgia officials say a group of
researchers has been given a multimillion dollar grant to continue studying
the environmental impact of oil seeping into the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/27423904/ga-researchers-given-gulf-coast-research-grant
South Florida researchers awarded $37.5 million to study BP oil spill
Miami Herald
Two South Florida universities will receive a total of $37.5 million to
continue researching the 2011 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the worst spill
in U.S. history that killed 11 workers, spewed 200 million gallons of crude
into the Gulf of Mexico and unleashed a host of environmental ills
scientists are still struggling to understand.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article4004493.html
National
White House clears EPA rewrite of hazardous waste rule
The Hill
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved a
regulation that seeks to strengthen federal standards for recycling
hazardous waste.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224538-white-house-clears-epa-rewrite-of-hazardous-waste-rule
House passes bill to reform EPA science panel
The Hill
The House on Tuesday passed legislation to overhaul the Environmental
Protection Agency's Scientific Advisory Board.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/224615-house-passes-bill-to-reform-epa-science-panel
Health groups demand strict ozone standards
The Hill
Healthcare professionals want the EPA to adopt the strictest standards
possible for ozone pollution.
http://thehill.com/regulation/healthcare/224530-health-groups-demand-strict-ozone-pollution-standards
San Diego agrees to turn recycled wastewater into drinking water
Published November 19, 2014
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO – Acknowledging California's parched new reality, the city of
San Diego has embraced a once-toxic idea: turning sewer water into drinking
water.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/11/19/san-diego-agrees-to-turn-wastewater-into-drinking-water/?intcmp=latestnews
Colorado Set To Release Water Distribution Plan
Wall Street Journal
DENVER—Faced with a swelling population, Colorado officials want to change
how water is allocated here, altering a system that has depended on water
being piped from west of the Rocky Mountains to thirsty cities in the east,
creating tensions and drying up farmland.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/colorado-set-to-release-water-distribution-plan-1416398461
Press Releases
Mississippi Gulf Coast Awarded $28.8 Million for Restoration Projects
Cochran, Wicker, & Palazzo Praise Long-Term Recovery Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker
(R-Miss.), with Representative Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), today announced
the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has awarded $28.8 million
for three projects to restore areas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast
affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The funding is the second round of grants from the Foundation's Gulf
Environmental Benefit Fund, created as part of the settlement by the U.S.
Department of Justice, BP, and Transocean in the aftermath of the tragedy.
"Recovery from the long-term effects of the 2010 oil spill remains
a priority, and the projects in this round of funding will advance that
goal. The award of this settlement money demonstrates that the recovery
process, involving state and local officials, is moving forward as
planned," Cochran said.
"The restoration of Mississippi's Gulf Coast is imperative to preserving
one of our state's greatest resources," Wicker said. "These important
projects represent another big step forward in our recovery efforts. I
applaud our local, state, and federal partners for making today's
announcement possible."
"As a fourth generation resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I would
consider the passage of the RESTORE Act one of my proudest achievements in
Congress," said Palazzo. "I'm pleased to see some of the initial funding
flowing to Mississippi for these restoration projects as our hard work
finally starts to come to fruition."
Mississippi's 2014 projects include:
· Utilization of dredge material for marsh restoration in coastal
Mississippi;
· Invasive species management on coastal state land; and
· Reef fish assessment for Mississippi coastal and near-shore Gulf
waters.
Additional information about NFWF's Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund in
Mississippi may be found here.
###
Waste grants issued for North Mississippi
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality has awarded two grants for waste disposal programs in north
Mississippi.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Waste-grants-issued-for-North-Mississippi/YNcTp3TWmk2xTWZyrLhZ5w.cspx
Bid rejection proves costly
Justin Vicory
Enterprise-Journal
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 2:00 pm
LIBERTY — The Amite County School Board's decision to reject bids for oil
leases in hopes of holding out for more money has cost the district
anywhere from $1.8 million to $3.6 million, and district officials are
uncertain if they will see more bids.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_930304a8-6f53-11e4-ae08-db5d97cd8732.html
CEO Shares His Plan for Aluminum Production
WCBI
LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. – (WCBI) As the automotive industry seeks lighter,
stronger materials to improve gas mileage and safety, Dr. Roger Boggs,
founder and president of American Specialty Alloys is prepared to meet
those needs. With plans to settle in the Southeast, Boggs has had his eye
on Lowndes County since 2007. He came to work at what is now known as
Severstal. He decided to use similar technologies to make a the next
generation of aluminum products.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/video-plant-ceo-shares-his-plan-for-aluminum-production
Oil Spill
Mississppi Awarded $28 Million for Gulf Restoration Projects
WXXV
This week, Mississippi was awarded $28 million more in settlements from the
BP oil spill. The money will be used to fund Gulf restoration projects with
decent paying jobs for years to come.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/Mississppi-Awarded-28-Million-for-Gulf/zwtL6KFcJkOn9ysYBpwzzQ.cspx
AL.com's editorial board discusses ongoing efforts to restore the Gulf of
Mexico with officials from the state council
Michael Finch II
November 18, 2014 at 1:00 PM
MOBILE, Alabama -- As money flows from the companies liable for the oil
spill and down to the states, the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council will
be a big player in determining how the cash is spent.
http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/11/alcoms_editorial_board_meets_t.html
Experts: Oil spill may have set back Texas sea turtles' recovery
Houston Chronicle
BROWNSVILLE - For two decades, Texas' official sea turtle made what
scientists considered a remarkable comeback from the verge of extinction,
as Kemp's ridley nests increased amid broad efforts to save the species.
Then in 2010, a fiery explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon oil platform
dumped an estimated 4.1 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico just
as the turtle's nesting season was getting underway.
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/science-environment/article/Experts-Oil-spill-may-have-set-back-Texas-sea-5902475.php
BP appealing to have oil spill settlement administrator removed
by Associated Press
Published: November 19,2014
NEW ORLEANS — BP is heading to a federal appeals court in its effort to
oust the administrator of damage settlement claims arising from the 2010
Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/19/bp-appealing-oil-spill-settlement-administrator-removed/
Ga. Researchers given Gulf Coast research grant
AP
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - University of Georgia officials say a group of
researchers has been given a multimillion dollar grant to continue studying
the environmental impact of oil seeping into the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/27423904/ga-researchers-given-gulf-coast-research-grant
South Florida researchers awarded $37.5 million to study BP oil spill
Miami Herald
Two South Florida universities will receive a total of $37.5 million to
continue researching the 2011 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the worst spill
in U.S. history that killed 11 workers, spewed 200 million gallons of crude
into the Gulf of Mexico and unleashed a host of environmental ills
scientists are still struggling to understand.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article4004493.html
National
White House clears EPA rewrite of hazardous waste rule
The Hill
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved a
regulation that seeks to strengthen federal standards for recycling
hazardous waste.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224538-white-house-clears-epa-rewrite-of-hazardous-waste-rule
House passes bill to reform EPA science panel
The Hill
The House on Tuesday passed legislation to overhaul the Environmental
Protection Agency's Scientific Advisory Board.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/224615-house-passes-bill-to-reform-epa-science-panel
Health groups demand strict ozone standards
The Hill
Healthcare professionals want the EPA to adopt the strictest standards
possible for ozone pollution.
http://thehill.com/regulation/healthcare/224530-health-groups-demand-strict-ozone-pollution-standards
San Diego agrees to turn recycled wastewater into drinking water
Published November 19, 2014
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO – Acknowledging California's parched new reality, the city of
San Diego has embraced a once-toxic idea: turning sewer water into drinking
water.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/11/19/san-diego-agrees-to-turn-wastewater-into-drinking-water/?intcmp=latestnews
Colorado Set To Release Water Distribution Plan
Wall Street Journal
DENVER—Faced with a swelling population, Colorado officials want to change
how water is allocated here, altering a system that has depended on water
being piped from west of the Rocky Mountains to thirsty cities in the east,
creating tensions and drying up farmland.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/colorado-set-to-release-water-distribution-plan-1416398461
Press Releases
Mississippi Gulf Coast Awarded $28.8 Million for Restoration Projects
Cochran, Wicker, & Palazzo Praise Long-Term Recovery Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker
(R-Miss.), with Representative Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.), today announced
the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has awarded $28.8 million
for three projects to restore areas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast
affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The funding is the second round of grants from the Foundation's Gulf
Environmental Benefit Fund, created as part of the settlement by the U.S.
Department of Justice, BP, and Transocean in the aftermath of the tragedy.
"Recovery from the long-term effects of the 2010 oil spill remains
a priority, and the projects in this round of funding will advance that
goal. The award of this settlement money demonstrates that the recovery
process, involving state and local officials, is moving forward as
planned," Cochran said.
"The restoration of Mississippi's Gulf Coast is imperative to preserving
one of our state's greatest resources," Wicker said. "These important
projects represent another big step forward in our recovery efforts. I
applaud our local, state, and federal partners for making today's
announcement possible."
"As a fourth generation resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I would
consider the passage of the RESTORE Act one of my proudest achievements in
Congress," said Palazzo. "I'm pleased to see some of the initial funding
flowing to Mississippi for these restoration projects as our hard work
finally starts to come to fruition."
Mississippi's 2014 projects include:
· Utilization of dredge material for marsh restoration in coastal
Mississippi;
· Invasive species management on coastal state land; and
· Reef fish assessment for Mississippi coastal and near-shore Gulf
waters.
Additional information about NFWF's Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund in
Mississippi may be found here.
###
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
News Clippiings 11.18.14
11.18.2014
Oil Spill
State lands environmental restoration grants for Coast projects
by Associated Press
Published: November 17,2014
GULF COAST — Mississippi will spend a $28 million grant on three
environmental restoration projects along the Gulf Coast.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/17/state-lands-environmental-restoration-grants-coast-projects/
Mississippi gets $28M to restore marshlands, boost reef fishing
WLOX
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) -Three restoration projects on the Mississippi
Gulf Coast will be getting a big financial boost. Monday, Governor Phil
Bryant announced the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded $28
million to the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27406190/mississippi-gets-28m-to-restore-marshlands-boost-reef-fishing
Fishermen hope new study will help extend red snapper season
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -Governor Phil Bryant on Monday announced a new grant of
$28 million from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This money will
go toward three new BP restoration projects across South Mississippi. A
portion of that will provide a study of certain fish populations. Some
fishermen on the coast are hoping it will change several current
regulations.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27410443/fishermen-hope-new-study-will-help-extend-red-snapper-season
Phil Bryant announces $28 million in restoration projects for Jackson,
Harrison, Hancock counties
The Mississippi Press
November 17, 2014 at 1:13 PM
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Gov. Phil Bryant announced Monday that Mississippi
has been awarded more than $28 million dollars from the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation for three new restoration projects spanning across
Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/11/phil_bryant_announces_28_milli.html#incart_river
Bryant announces another $28 million in Coast restoration projects
Sun Herald
BY MARY PEREZ
Gov. Phil Bryant announced Monday that three more restoration projects
totaling $28 million are planned across the three Coast counties.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/11/17/5919179_governor-bryant-announces-another.html?sp=/99/100/&rh=1
STATE OFFERS NEW SPILL RESTORATION IDEAS
MPB
The state's proposals to the Restore Council include creating a Mississippi
Sound estuarine program; a multi-state land conservation project; and a
federal-state initiative to expand the beneficial use of dredged material.
Andrew Whitehurst is water program director for the Gulf Restoration
Network.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2014/11/17/state-offers-new-restoration-ideas/
Louisiana gets $13.2 million from National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
November 17, 2014 at 6:40 PM
The state of Louisiana will receive $13.2 million from the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation to support the Coastal Protection and Restoration
Authority's Adaptive Management Program, with the money aimed at tracking
ongoing efforts to rebuild barrier islands and to build sediment diversions
along the Mississippi River to rebuild wetlands, the foundation announced
Monday.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/11/louisiana_gets_132_from_nation.html#incart_river
Local wildlife projects receive millions from BP spill money
Galveston Daily News
By JOHN WAYNE FERGUSON
A handful of local projects aimed at protecting and preserving wildlife
received a big boost Monday.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced that eight Texas
projects had received a combined $13.2 million from the foundation's Gulf
Environmental Benefit Fund.
http://www.galvestondailynews.com/free/article_2346d148-6ee6-11e4-bb0e-8f33f5aa120a.html
Florida Gets $34.3 Million for Gulf Restoration Projects
AP
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida has received $34.3 million in
conservation grants from a settlement over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil
spill.
http://www.wtvy.com/news/florida/headlines/Florida-Gets-343-Million-for-Gulf-Restoration-Projects-282979831.html
Governor Bentley announces $9.6 million for gulf restoration projects
WALA
MONTGOMERY (WALA) — Governor Robert Bentley on Monday announced the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has approved $9.6 million for
four Alabama projects that address high priority conservation needs to
restore some of Alabama's natural resources affected by the 2010 Deepwater
Horizon explosion and oil spill.
http://fox10tv.com/2014/11/17/governor-bentley-announces-9-6-million-for-gulf-restoration-projects/
BP seeks to reduce maximum fines for oil spill pollution
Jennifer Larino
Times-Picayune
November 17, 2014 at 2:26 PM
BP is asking a federal judge in New Orleans to limit maximum fines the
company faces in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill to $12.6 billion, nearly
one-third less than the $18 billion that federal prosecutors say the oil
giant could be forced to pay.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/11/bp_asks_federal_judge
_to_limit.html#incart_river
State
Curbside recycling in Hattiesburg may continue after changes to program
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -Hattiesburg residents will likely be able to
continue using the free curbside recycling program after the New Year,
according to Public Works Department Director Larry Barnes.
http://www.wdam.com/story/27409088/curbside-recycling-in-hattiesburg-may-continue-after-changes-to-program
Lowndes Co. in running for $1.2 billion aluminum plant
Commercial Dispatch
November 17, 2014 4:45:50 PM
Lowndes County could be the future home of a mini-mill that produces
600,000 tons of aluminum a year and employs up to 850 people.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=38129
$1.2 billion aluminum plant expected to be built near Columbus
MBJ
by jack.weatherly
Published: November 17,2014
Pittsburgh-based American Specialty Alloys issued a news release Monday
saying that it is planning to build a $1.2 billion, aluminum mini-mill �
��in
the Southeastern United States."
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/17/1-2-billion-aluminum-plant-expected-built-near-columbus/
USM saves more than $10M in energy costs since 2009
Hattiesburg American
Turning off lights, unplugging appliances and even changing light
fixtures can help reduce energy costs.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/education/usm/2014/11/17/usm-energy-savings/19195675/
DeSoto delays building code action, OKs 911 system contract
Commercial Appeal
…As to Star Landing Road, the supervisors approved a "boulevard" design
approach that now goes to the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality for review. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes are included in the
ambitious plan that envisions a six-mile, four-lane corridor with
landscaped median — an economic development magnet — from Tulane to Getwell
roads.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/desoto-delays-building-code-action-oks-911-system-contract_36844386
DeSoto may try to tap federal funds to fix flooding
Commercial Appeal
Flooding — all too real in Southaven and Horn Lake in September and an
ongoing threat in other areas, such as Holly Springs Road — has prompted
the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors to seek more help from Washington.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/desoto-may-try-to-tap-federal-funds-to-fix-flooding_54194438
Income tax breaks for Miss. families proposed
Clarion Ledger
Gov. Phil Bryant proposes a state income tax break for families
making up to $52,000 a year in his budget recommendation to next
year's Legislature.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/11/17/income-tax-breaks-miss-families-proposed/19202679/
National
EPA chief: Obama has our back vs. McConnell
The Hill
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says she is not
taking Senate Republicans' threats to cripple her agency too seriously.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224370-epas-mccarthy-not-scared-of-senate-gop
White House threatens to veto House EPA bills
The Hill
The White House threatened Monday to veto a trio of House bills aimed at
restricting the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ability to issue
new regulations.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224435-white-house-threatens-to-veto-house-epa-bills
EPA: China deal won't change our demands
The Hill
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head Gina McCarthy on Monday said
last week's historic climate deal with China won't effect a forthcoming
rule limiting greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224369-epa-chief-china-deal-wont-change-climate-rule
EPA chief surprised by resistance to water rule
The Hill
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head Gina McCarthy said she was
surprised by the way that opponents attacked her agency's attempt to
redefine its jurisdiction over waterways.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224374-epa-chief-surprised-by-resistance-to-water-rule
Business boiled over EPA's water rule
The Hill
Business groups are joining with local government representatives and
conservative lawmakers to criticize the Environmental Protection Agency�
��s
water jurisdiction proposal, imploring the Obama administration to rescind
it.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/energy-environment/224471-business-boiled-over-epas-water-rule
Press Releases
Governor Bryant Announces Three New Restoration Projects Totaling $28
Million
(Jackson, Miss.) -- Governor Phil Bryant announced today that Mississippi
has been awarded more than $28 million dollars from the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation for three new restoration projects spanning across
Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties. This brings to date nearly $39
million in restoration and planning projects awarded to Mississippi through
the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund.
NFWF's Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund was created 18 months ago as part of
the settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice, BP, and Transocean
to resolve certain criminal charges against both companies in relation to
the spill. Under the allocation formula and other provisions contained in
the plea agreements, a total of $356 million will be paid into the Gulf
Fund over a five year period for conservation projects in the state of
Mississippi.
"This money means Mississippi is going to be able to restore valuable lost
marsh habitat, enhance and protect the habitat of our wildlife throughout
the coast, and strengthen our fishing industry," Governor Phil Bryant said.
"These three new projects will help continue to build our coastal economy,
while improving our coastal way of life, as we address vital issues such as
invasive species, shoreline erosion, and overfishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
"For those Mississippians who enjoy fishing for red snapper, you will be
glad to know that today's award means we are going to spend more than $4
million to bolster our fishing industry through the expansion of a Reef
Fish Assessment Program. This two year project will gather vital fishery
data on abundance, distribution and life-history characteristics of red
snapper and other reef fish occurring at the more than 16,000 acres of
permitted offshore artificial reef sites," said Bryant.
More than $21 million of the money will be used for vital marsh creation
and restoration in three priority bay systems along the Gulf Coast
including St. Louis Bay, Back Bay of Biloxi, and the Pascagoula/Escatawpa
system. Over many decades, these priority bays have experienced
significant impacts due to shoreline erosion, storm damage, and alterations
to sediment transport – contributing to the loss of thousands of acres of
tidal marsh habitat. This project will advance Mississippi's beneficial
use program to facilitate a cost-effective, sustainable approach to
restoring and protecting significant coastal marsh and bay shorelines.
"By restoring these vital marsh areas we will create habitat that is vital
to our coastal and marine resources, and is essential to our Mississippi
economy. The project will also reduce erosion along our crucial bay
shorelines while providing protection for coastal communities from storm
surge and the rising sea level. At the end of the day, this project will
help fulfill one of our most important goals for restoring our coast �
� to
improve water quality -- as we improve water quality on the Gulf Coast we
ultimately improve our coastal economy and our way of life," Bryant added.
The third project, totaling more than $2.6 million, will continue
enhancement of habitat value of state lands in coastal Mississippi through
improved management of invasive species. This project is an expansion of
the 2013 Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund awarded to address invasive
species management on land within Mississippi's Coastal Preserves Program.
Invasive species management work will take place in Buccaneer and Shepard
State Parks as well as in the Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area. An
invasive species assessment will take place in the Pascagoula River
Wildlife Management Area. Work to control persistent invasive species will
include prescribed burning, mechanical and chemical control of invasive
vegetation, and feral hog control. This project will focus on improving
significant coastal marsh and transitional upland habitat through the
control and eradication of non-native and invasive plant species and the
improved tidal connectivity of these habitats to the Mississippi Sound.
The three projects were developed in consultation with the Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality and federal resource agencies, and are
designed to remedy harm or reduce the risk of future harm to natural
resources that were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
"The projects announced today signify another crucial step in Mississippi's
commitment to restore the Gulf Coast and remedy the harm to our natural
resources that were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill,�
� said
Gary Rikard, MDEQ Executive Director.
"The model for the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund is one of partnership,"
said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "In order to
succeed, NFWF must bring together state resource agencies, federal
agencies, non-governmental organizations and private partners, all working
in harmony to fund the best projects that will do the most good for the
Gulf of Mexico and the communities that depend on it each and every day.
"These projects demonstrate the value of our efforts to work in a
collaborative fashion to select projects that will provide significant
benefits to wildlife and people for many years to come."
More information can be found at www.restore.ms and www.nfwf.org.
# # #
For immediate release: Nov. 17, 2014
Media Contact:
Rob Blumenthal, NFWF
Director, Communications
(202) 595-2457
rob.blumenthal@nfwf.org
NFWF Announces Nearly $100 Million for New Restoration Projects on the Gulf
Coast
Second Round of Grants from the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund
WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 17, 2014 − The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
(NFWF) announced today the award of more than $99.2 million from its Gulf
Environmental Benefit Fund (Gulf Fund) to 25 projects in the states of
Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The projects, developed
in consultation with state and federal resource agencies, are designed to
remedy harm and reduce the risk of future harm to natural resources that
were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Today's announcement represents the second obligation of funds available to
support projects in each state from the payments received thus far by the
Gulf Fund. To date, the Fund has received $511 million, and has obligated
$390 million, or more than 75 percent of available dollars.
NFWF created the Gulf Fund 18 months ago as the vehicle to receive and
administer funds resulting from remedial orders in the plea agreements
between the U.S. Department of Justice and BP and Transocean. The plea
agreements resolved certain criminal charges against both companies
relating to the 2010 oil spill. Provisions within the agreements direct a
total of $2.544 billion to NFWF over a five-year period to be used to
support projects that remedy harm to natural resources in the Gulf States.
"The model for the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund is one of partnership,"
said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "In order to
succeed, NFWF must bring together state resource agencies, federal
agencies, and other public and private partners, all working in harmony to
fund the best projects that will do the most good for the Gulf of Mexico
and the communities that depend on it each and every day. The projects we
announce today demonstrate the value of our efforts to work in a
collaborative fashion to select projects that will provide significant
benefits to wildlife and people for many years to come."
Under the allocation formula and other provisions contained in the plea
agreements, the Gulf Fund will receive a total of roughly $1.2 billion for
barrier island and river diversion projects in Louisiana, in addition to
roughly $356 million each for projects in the states of Alabama, Florida
and Mississippi, and $203 million for projects in Texas.
"The Gulf of Mexico is a national treasure, supporting a vast network of
native wildlife and coastal ecosystems while providing jobs and economic
growth to millions of Americans. That's why every American has a stake in
restoring the Gulf," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe.
"This week's announcement builds on the initial steps we took last year
with the Foundation and our Gulf state partners to begin restoring
important parts of the Gulf and its watershed. As we move forward, the
Foundation, our partners, and our employees will continue to play a key
role in restoring the Gulf and its watershed, thereby meeting the long-term
needs of our citizens and these natural resources."
"NOAA is excited to see the next round of projects coming out of the Gulf
Environmental Benefit Fund. NFWF's efforts are an important component of
comprehensive restoration in the Gulf and will allow us to pursue holistic
restoration above and beyond the work being done under the Natural Resource
Damage Assessment," said Kathryn D. Sullivan, Ph.D., under secretary of
commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "NOAA values our
partnerships with NFWF, the Gulf States and others as we collectively work
to restore and revitalize the Gulf of Mexico resources and communities.�
��
As required under the plea agreements, NFWF consulted with state resource
agencies, as well as with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and
the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to
identify potential project priorities and funding needs. The discussions
ensured coordination between NFWF's Gulf Fund and the agencies' related
activities under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) and RESTORE
Act programs.
The projects announced today will complement those previously announced or
under consideration under these two additional significant programs.
Collectively, and where appropriate, these efforts will be coordinated and
leveraged to advance Gulf Coast conservation and maximize sustainable
environmental benefits.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a congressionally chartered
non-profit corporation, is one of the largest conservation funders in the
United States. It is subject to oversight by Congress and a board of
directors that includes the heads of the USFWS and NOAA, as well as
representatives from states, non-governmental organizations and industry.
The board is appointed by the Secretary of the Interior.
For additional information on state-specific projects, please follow the
links below:
Alabama
Florida
Louisiana
Mississippi
Texas
Governor Bryant Releases FY 2016 Executive Budget Recommendation
JACKSON—Governor Phil Bryant presented his Fiscal Year 2016 budget to the
Legislature today, calling for a tax credit for working Mississippi
families and increasing funding for public education by over $52 million.
"Mississippi should start fiscal year 2016 in the best financial health
it's ever had. This budget addresses the needs of the state while giving
back money to the hard working families of Mississippi," Gov. Bryant said.
"The increase in revenues is an opportunity to return money to the
taxpayers, not to spend more on government programs."
This tax credit will allow low to moderate income working families the
opportunity to take advantage of a nonrefundable tax credit. This will
allow for full or partial relief of an individual's income tax liability
depending on his or her income and filing status.
"I believe the additional money Mississippians will save on taxes will be
reinvested in the state's economy," Gov. Bryant said. "I look forward to
working with the Legislature in providing tax relief to working families,
as well as finding ways to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and
corporations."
To make sure the state is protected during uncertain economic times, the
tax credit will only be available in years when the "Rainy Day Fund
" is
full and revenue estimates meet or exceed 3 percent growth.
Gov. Bryant's $6.2 billion conservative, balanced budget does not spend any
one-time revenue on recurring expenses for the second year in a row. It
uses the General Fund Revenue estimate jointly adopted on November 10 of
$5.6 billion and has additional state support funds totaling $567 million.
The FY 2016 General Fund revenue estimate reflects 3 percent growth over FY
2015.
"I commend the Legislature for heeding my call to fill the Rainy Day Fund
during last year's State of the State address. It's now at its statutory
limit of 7.5 percent of appropriated funds and this will shield the state
from effects of the unexpected, like an economic downturn or natural
disaster."
Gov. Bryant's budget will request that the 2 percent set aside rule, which
has been used in past years, be suspended due to the "Rainy Day Fund" being
full.
Total funding for the MAEP will reach $2.187 billion with a $52.7 million
increase in the MAEP formula.
The budget again includes $15 million in funding for the implementation of
the Third Grade Reading Gate and $3 million for the Early Learning
Collaborative Program. Gov. Bryant's budget also maintains the commitment
of $2,500 pay raises for teachers and meets the full request of $22.6
million for the National Board Certified Teacher Program.
Additionally, an increase of $2.8 million is included for student financial
aid programs at the Mississippi Institutes of Higher Learning to provide
financial assistance for students attending colleges and universities.
"It is critical we continue to support and target key areas that help lead
to education success for our students," Gov. Bryant said. "I will ask the
legislature to create the Mississippi Works Scholarship Program which will
help students attain additional education and certifications at community
colleges as a continuation of the tech prep programs they are participating
in at the high school level."
$3 million is included in the budget for the creation of the Mississippi
Works Scholarship Program. Overall spending for public education is $2.5
billion for the 2016 budget period.
Additional budget highlights include:
Economic Development:
· An additional $5.1 million for the tourism budget to expand outreach
· An additional $1.1 million for site development grants and marketing
· Recommends continued funding of $52 million of state support funds to
the Office of State Aid Road Construction
Public Safety:
· Level funds military department and veterans' affairs
· Recommends 3 percent pay increase for on the road troopers and
employees of the driver services division of the Department of Public
Safety
· Maintains commitment of Driver License Modernization
MDOC:
· Level funding of MDOC at $346 million
Judicial System:
· Additional $329,000 for needs of more district attorneys across the
state
Emergency Management
· Maintains level funding for the Mississippi Emergency Management
Agency
· Recommends a funding increase of $2 million for the Wireless
Communications Commission (WCC) which manages the MSWIN System for
first responder communication. Total WCC funding recommendation is
$10 million
Healthcare:
· $2 million for the Jackson State University School of Public Health
· Budget includes $1.5 million for the Maternal and Infant Mortality
Reduction Initiative that's to be administered by the Department of
Health
· Budget recommends $1.2 million for universities and community
colleges to combat teen pregnancy, due to the highest percentage of
teen pregnancies occurring in teens between 18 and 19 years old
Medicaid:
· This budget maintains the legislative position of funding the
Division of Medicaid at previous year's levels, and Gov. Bryant will
work with the Legislature and the Division of Medicaid to support
proper funding in the upcoming session
Additional Recommendation:
· Budget includes $11.75 million of premium increase to state health
plan
· Budget sets aside $50 million for the Capital Expense Fund that's to
be properly managed and spent on true capital needs
· Budget sets aside $385 million for debt service but the number is
fluid due to bond issuance
###
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|USDA and Partners Complete First-of-Its-Kind Sale of Carbon Credits from Working Ranch |
| Grasslands |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today said a U.S. |
|Department of Agriculture grant has helped initiate a partnership that is improving the|
|environment, creating a market for carbon credits generated on working grasslands. |
|Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, recently purchased almost 40,000 carbon |
|dioxide reduction tons generated on working ranch grasslands in the Prairie Pothole |
|region of North Dakota. |
| |
| |
|"This announcement is the first-of-its-kind. The amount of carbon dioxide removed from |
|our atmosphere by Chevrolet's purchase of carbon credits equals the amount that would |
|be reduced by taking more than 5,000 cars off the road," Secretary Vilsack said. "This |
|public-private partnership demonstrates how much can be achieved with a modest federal |
|investment and a strong commitment to cut carbon pollution." |
| |
| |
|Robert Bonnie, USDA's under secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, announced |
|the purchase and USDA's involvement in the project at an event today at USDA |
|headquarters. He was joined by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow of |
|Michigan, Greg Martin, executive director for global public policy, General Motors; |
|Sean Penrith, executive director of The Climate Trust and Paul Schmidt, chief |
|conservation officer of Ducks Unlimited. |
| |
| |
|Chevrolet's first purchase of third-party verified carbon credits generated on working |
|ranch grasslands was undertaken voluntarily as part of its commitment to reduce eight |
|million tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted. This is comparable to the annual |
|carbon reduction benefit of a mature forest the size of Yellowstone National Park. |
| |
| |
|USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded $161,000 through a |
|Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) to Ducks Unlimited in 2011 to develop the necessary|
|methodology to quantify the carbon stored in the soil by avoiding grassland |
|conversions, resulting in the generation of carbon credits. |
| |
| |
|This is how the credit system works: |
| |
| |
| · Landowners voluntarily place lands under a perpetual easement but retain rights |
| to work the land, such as raising livestock and growing hay. |
| |
| |
| · The carbon storage benefits of this avoided conversion of grasslands are |
| quantified, verified, and formally registered resulting in carbon credits. |
| |
| |
| · The carbon credits are made available to entities interested in purchasing carbon|
| offsets. |
| |
| |
|The landowners receive compensation for the carbon credits generated on their lands. |
|"Ranchers benefit from new revenue streams, while thriving grasslands provide nesting |
|habitat for wildlife, are more resilient to extreme weather, and help mitigate the |
|impact of climate change," said Vilsack. |
| |
| |
|Besides the landowners, USDA, and Ducks Unlimited, other key partners that helped make |
|this project a success include The Climate Trust, American Carbon Registry, The Nature ||Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund and Terra Global Capital. |
| |
| |
|USDA's CIGs support the development of new technologies and approaches to agricultural |
|conservation on private lands. This project was one of nine greenhouse gas mitigation |
|and carbon market projects funded by NRCS 2011. More information on these innovative |
|projects can be found on the webpage of Coalition on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, a |
|strategic partner of USDA. |
| |
| |
|Public-private partnerships to enhance U.S. carbon sinks such as forests, grasslands, |
|wetlands and coastal areas, are a key part of President Obama's efforts to prepare |
|communities for the impacts of climate change and enhance the nation's climate |
|resilience. In October, as called for in the President's Climate Action Plan, the |
|Administration announced a Climate and Natural Resources Priority Agenda that |
|represents a first of its kind, comprehensive commitment across the Federal Government |
|to support resilience of our natural resources. It identifies a suite of actions |
|(including efforts like the USDA-Chevy agreement) the Federal Government will take to |
|enhance the resilience of America's natural resources to the impacts of climate change |
|and promote their ability to absorb carbon dioxide. |
| |
| |
|This announcement is one of many USDA efforts to help America's farmers, ranchers and |
|forest owners adapt to new challenges caused by a changing climate �
� ranging from more |
|intense weather events, to increased risk of wildfire, to a greater prevalence of |
|invasive species. While assessments on the future of agriculture and forestry show that|
|climate change holds these and other challenges in the years ahead, American producers |
|are longtime leaders in innovation, risk management and adaptation. USDA has supported |
|these efforts for more than a century. Now USDA is developing new tools to help rural |
|America create climate solutions and play a role in President Obama's comprehensive |
|effort to reduce carbon pollution. More information on USDA's work is available at |
|www.usda.gov/climatesolutions. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Oil Spill
State lands environmental restoration grants for Coast projects
by Associated Press
Published: November 17,2014
GULF COAST — Mississippi will spend a $28 million grant on three
environmental restoration projects along the Gulf Coast.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/17/state-lands-environmental-restoration-grants-coast-projects/
Mississippi gets $28M to restore marshlands, boost reef fishing
WLOX
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) -Three restoration projects on the Mississippi
Gulf Coast will be getting a big financial boost. Monday, Governor Phil
Bryant announced the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded $28
million to the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27406190/mississippi-gets-28m-to-restore-marshlands-boost-reef-fishing
Fishermen hope new study will help extend red snapper season
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -Governor Phil Bryant on Monday announced a new grant of
$28 million from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This money will
go toward three new BP restoration projects across South Mississippi. A
portion of that will provide a study of certain fish populations. Some
fishermen on the coast are hoping it will change several current
regulations.
http://www.wlox.com/story/27410443/fishermen-hope-new-study-will-help-extend-red-snapper-season
Phil Bryant announces $28 million in restoration projects for Jackson,
Harrison, Hancock counties
The Mississippi Press
November 17, 2014 at 1:13 PM
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Gov. Phil Bryant announced Monday that Mississippi
has been awarded more than $28 million dollars from the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation for three new restoration projects spanning across
Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/11/phil_bryant_announces_28_milli.html#incart_river
Bryant announces another $28 million in Coast restoration projects
Sun Herald
BY MARY PEREZ
Gov. Phil Bryant announced Monday that three more restoration projects
totaling $28 million are planned across the three Coast counties.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/11/17/5919179_governor-bryant-announces-another.html?sp=/99/100/&rh=1
STATE OFFERS NEW SPILL RESTORATION IDEAS
MPB
The state's proposals to the Restore Council include creating a Mississippi
Sound estuarine program; a multi-state land conservation project; and a
federal-state initiative to expand the beneficial use of dredged material.
Andrew Whitehurst is water program director for the Gulf Restoration
Network.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2014/11/17/state-offers-new-restoration-ideas/
Louisiana gets $13.2 million from National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
November 17, 2014 at 6:40 PM
The state of Louisiana will receive $13.2 million from the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation to support the Coastal Protection and Restoration
Authority's Adaptive Management Program, with the money aimed at tracking
ongoing efforts to rebuild barrier islands and to build sediment diversions
along the Mississippi River to rebuild wetlands, the foundation announced
Monday.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/11/louisiana_gets_132_from_nation.html#incart_river
Local wildlife projects receive millions from BP spill money
Galveston Daily News
By JOHN WAYNE FERGUSON
A handful of local projects aimed at protecting and preserving wildlife
received a big boost Monday.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced that eight Texas
projects had received a combined $13.2 million from the foundation's Gulf
Environmental Benefit Fund.
http://www.galvestondailynews.com/free/article_2346d148-6ee6-11e4-bb0e-8f33f5aa120a.html
Florida Gets $34.3 Million for Gulf Restoration Projects
AP
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida has received $34.3 million in
conservation grants from a settlement over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil
spill.
http://www.wtvy.com/news/florida/headlines/Florida-Gets-343-Million-for-Gulf-Restoration-Projects-282979831.html
Governor Bentley announces $9.6 million for gulf restoration projects
WALA
MONTGOMERY (WALA) — Governor Robert Bentley on Monday announced the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has approved $9.6 million for
four Alabama projects that address high priority conservation needs to
restore some of Alabama's natural resources affected by the 2010 Deepwater
Horizon explosion and oil spill.
http://fox10tv.com/2014/11/17/governor-bentley-announces-9-6-million-for-gulf-restoration-projects/
BP seeks to reduce maximum fines for oil spill pollution
Jennifer Larino
Times-Picayune
November 17, 2014 at 2:26 PM
BP is asking a federal judge in New Orleans to limit maximum fines the
company faces in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill to $12.6 billion, nearly
one-third less than the $18 billion that federal prosecutors say the oil
giant could be forced to pay.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/11/bp_asks_federal_judge
_to_limit.html#incart_river
State
Curbside recycling in Hattiesburg may continue after changes to program
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -Hattiesburg residents will likely be able to
continue using the free curbside recycling program after the New Year,
according to Public Works Department Director Larry Barnes.
http://www.wdam.com/story/27409088/curbside-recycling-in-hattiesburg-may-continue-after-changes-to-program
Lowndes Co. in running for $1.2 billion aluminum plant
Commercial Dispatch
November 17, 2014 4:45:50 PM
Lowndes County could be the future home of a mini-mill that produces
600,000 tons of aluminum a year and employs up to 850 people.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=38129
$1.2 billion aluminum plant expected to be built near Columbus
MBJ
by jack.weatherly
Published: November 17,2014
Pittsburgh-based American Specialty Alloys issued a news release Monday
saying that it is planning to build a $1.2 billion, aluminum mini-mill �
��in
the Southeastern United States."
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/11/17/1-2-billion-aluminum-plant-expected-built-near-columbus/
USM saves more than $10M in energy costs since 2009
Hattiesburg American
Turning off lights, unplugging appliances and even changing light
fixtures can help reduce energy costs.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/education/usm/2014/11/17/usm-energy-savings/19195675/
DeSoto delays building code action, OKs 911 system contract
Commercial Appeal
…As to Star Landing Road, the supervisors approved a "boulevard" design
approach that now goes to the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality for review. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes are included in the
ambitious plan that envisions a six-mile, four-lane corridor with
landscaped median — an economic development magnet — from Tulane to Getwell
roads.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/desoto-delays-building-code-action-oks-911-system-contract_36844386
DeSoto may try to tap federal funds to fix flooding
Commercial Appeal
Flooding — all too real in Southaven and Horn Lake in September and an
ongoing threat in other areas, such as Holly Springs Road — has prompted
the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors to seek more help from Washington.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/desoto-may-try-to-tap-federal-funds-to-fix-flooding_54194438
Income tax breaks for Miss. families proposed
Clarion Ledger
Gov. Phil Bryant proposes a state income tax break for families
making up to $52,000 a year in his budget recommendation to next
year's Legislature.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2014/11/17/income-tax-breaks-miss-families-proposed/19202679/
National
EPA chief: Obama has our back vs. McConnell
The Hill
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says she is not
taking Senate Republicans' threats to cripple her agency too seriously.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224370-epas-mccarthy-not-scared-of-senate-gop
White House threatens to veto House EPA bills
The Hill
The White House threatened Monday to veto a trio of House bills aimed at
restricting the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ability to issue
new regulations.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224435-white-house-threatens-to-veto-house-epa-bills
EPA: China deal won't change our demands
The Hill
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head Gina McCarthy on Monday said
last week's historic climate deal with China won't effect a forthcoming
rule limiting greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224369-epa-chief-china-deal-wont-change-climate-rule
EPA chief surprised by resistance to water rule
The Hill
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head Gina McCarthy said she was
surprised by the way that opponents attacked her agency's attempt to
redefine its jurisdiction over waterways.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/224374-epa-chief-surprised-by-resistance-to-water-rule
Business boiled over EPA's water rule
The Hill
Business groups are joining with local government representatives and
conservative lawmakers to criticize the Environmental Protection Agency�
��s
water jurisdiction proposal, imploring the Obama administration to rescind
it.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/energy-environment/224471-business-boiled-over-epas-water-rule
Press Releases
Governor Bryant Announces Three New Restoration Projects Totaling $28
Million
(Jackson, Miss.) -- Governor Phil Bryant announced today that Mississippi
has been awarded more than $28 million dollars from the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation for three new restoration projects spanning across
Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties. This brings to date nearly $39
million in restoration and planning projects awarded to Mississippi through
the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund.
NFWF's Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund was created 18 months ago as part of
the settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice, BP, and Transocean
to resolve certain criminal charges against both companies in relation to
the spill. Under the allocation formula and other provisions contained in
the plea agreements, a total of $356 million will be paid into the Gulf
Fund over a five year period for conservation projects in the state of
Mississippi.
"This money means Mississippi is going to be able to restore valuable lost
marsh habitat, enhance and protect the habitat of our wildlife throughout
the coast, and strengthen our fishing industry," Governor Phil Bryant said.
"These three new projects will help continue to build our coastal economy,
while improving our coastal way of life, as we address vital issues such as
invasive species, shoreline erosion, and overfishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
"For those Mississippians who enjoy fishing for red snapper, you will be
glad to know that today's award means we are going to spend more than $4
million to bolster our fishing industry through the expansion of a Reef
Fish Assessment Program. This two year project will gather vital fishery
data on abundance, distribution and life-history characteristics of red
snapper and other reef fish occurring at the more than 16,000 acres of
permitted offshore artificial reef sites," said Bryant.
More than $21 million of the money will be used for vital marsh creation
and restoration in three priority bay systems along the Gulf Coast
including St. Louis Bay, Back Bay of Biloxi, and the Pascagoula/Escatawpa
system. Over many decades, these priority bays have experienced
significant impacts due to shoreline erosion, storm damage, and alterations
to sediment transport – contributing to the loss of thousands of acres of
tidal marsh habitat. This project will advance Mississippi's beneficial
use program to facilitate a cost-effective, sustainable approach to
restoring and protecting significant coastal marsh and bay shorelines.
"By restoring these vital marsh areas we will create habitat that is vital
to our coastal and marine resources, and is essential to our Mississippi
economy. The project will also reduce erosion along our crucial bay
shorelines while providing protection for coastal communities from storm
surge and the rising sea level. At the end of the day, this project will
help fulfill one of our most important goals for restoring our coast �
� to
improve water quality -- as we improve water quality on the Gulf Coast we
ultimately improve our coastal economy and our way of life," Bryant added.
The third project, totaling more than $2.6 million, will continue
enhancement of habitat value of state lands in coastal Mississippi through
improved management of invasive species. This project is an expansion of
the 2013 Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund awarded to address invasive
species management on land within Mississippi's Coastal Preserves Program.
Invasive species management work will take place in Buccaneer and Shepard
State Parks as well as in the Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area. An
invasive species assessment will take place in the Pascagoula River
Wildlife Management Area. Work to control persistent invasive species will
include prescribed burning, mechanical and chemical control of invasive
vegetation, and feral hog control. This project will focus on improving
significant coastal marsh and transitional upland habitat through the
control and eradication of non-native and invasive plant species and the
improved tidal connectivity of these habitats to the Mississippi Sound.
The three projects were developed in consultation with the Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality and federal resource agencies, and are
designed to remedy harm or reduce the risk of future harm to natural
resources that were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
"The projects announced today signify another crucial step in Mississippi's
commitment to restore the Gulf Coast and remedy the harm to our natural
resources that were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill,�
� said
Gary Rikard, MDEQ Executive Director.
"The model for the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund is one of partnership,"
said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "In order to
succeed, NFWF must bring together state resource agencies, federal
agencies, non-governmental organizations and private partners, all working
in harmony to fund the best projects that will do the most good for the
Gulf of Mexico and the communities that depend on it each and every day.
"These projects demonstrate the value of our efforts to work in a
collaborative fashion to select projects that will provide significant
benefits to wildlife and people for many years to come."
More information can be found at www.restore.ms and www.nfwf.org.
# # #
For immediate release: Nov. 17, 2014
Media Contact:
Rob Blumenthal, NFWF
Director, Communications
(202) 595-2457
rob.blumenthal@nfwf.org
NFWF Announces Nearly $100 Million for New Restoration Projects on the Gulf
Coast
Second Round of Grants from the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund
WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 17, 2014 − The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
(NFWF) announced today the award of more than $99.2 million from its Gulf
Environmental Benefit Fund (Gulf Fund) to 25 projects in the states of
Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The projects, developed
in consultation with state and federal resource agencies, are designed to
remedy harm and reduce the risk of future harm to natural resources that
were affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Today's announcement represents the second obligation of funds available to
support projects in each state from the payments received thus far by the
Gulf Fund. To date, the Fund has received $511 million, and has obligated
$390 million, or more than 75 percent of available dollars.
NFWF created the Gulf Fund 18 months ago as the vehicle to receive and
administer funds resulting from remedial orders in the plea agreements
between the U.S. Department of Justice and BP and Transocean. The plea
agreements resolved certain criminal charges against both companies
relating to the 2010 oil spill. Provisions within the agreements direct a
total of $2.544 billion to NFWF over a five-year period to be used to
support projects that remedy harm to natural resources in the Gulf States.
"The model for the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund is one of partnership,"
said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. "In order to
succeed, NFWF must bring together state resource agencies, federal
agencies, and other public and private partners, all working in harmony to
fund the best projects that will do the most good for the Gulf of Mexico
and the communities that depend on it each and every day. The projects we
announce today demonstrate the value of our efforts to work in a
collaborative fashion to select projects that will provide significant
benefits to wildlife and people for many years to come."
Under the allocation formula and other provisions contained in the plea
agreements, the Gulf Fund will receive a total of roughly $1.2 billion for
barrier island and river diversion projects in Louisiana, in addition to
roughly $356 million each for projects in the states of Alabama, Florida
and Mississippi, and $203 million for projects in Texas.
"The Gulf of Mexico is a national treasure, supporting a vast network of
native wildlife and coastal ecosystems while providing jobs and economic
growth to millions of Americans. That's why every American has a stake in
restoring the Gulf," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe.
"This week's announcement builds on the initial steps we took last year
with the Foundation and our Gulf state partners to begin restoring
important parts of the Gulf and its watershed. As we move forward, the
Foundation, our partners, and our employees will continue to play a key
role in restoring the Gulf and its watershed, thereby meeting the long-term
needs of our citizens and these natural resources."
"NOAA is excited to see the next round of projects coming out of the Gulf
Environmental Benefit Fund. NFWF's efforts are an important component of
comprehensive restoration in the Gulf and will allow us to pursue holistic
restoration above and beyond the work being done under the Natural Resource
Damage Assessment," said Kathryn D. Sullivan, Ph.D., under secretary of
commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "NOAA values our
partnerships with NFWF, the Gulf States and others as we collectively work
to restore and revitalize the Gulf of Mexico resources and communities.�
��
As required under the plea agreements, NFWF consulted with state resource
agencies, as well as with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and
the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to
identify potential project priorities and funding needs. The discussions
ensured coordination between NFWF's Gulf Fund and the agencies' related
activities under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) and RESTORE
Act programs.
The projects announced today will complement those previously announced or
under consideration under these two additional significant programs.
Collectively, and where appropriate, these efforts will be coordinated and
leveraged to advance Gulf Coast conservation and maximize sustainable
environmental benefits.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a congressionally chartered
non-profit corporation, is one of the largest conservation funders in the
United States. It is subject to oversight by Congress and a board of
directors that includes the heads of the USFWS and NOAA, as well as
representatives from states, non-governmental organizations and industry.
The board is appointed by the Secretary of the Interior.
For additional information on state-specific projects, please follow the
links below:
Alabama
Florida
Louisiana
Mississippi
Texas
Governor Bryant Releases FY 2016 Executive Budget Recommendation
JACKSON—Governor Phil Bryant presented his Fiscal Year 2016 budget to the
Legislature today, calling for a tax credit for working Mississippi
families and increasing funding for public education by over $52 million.
"Mississippi should start fiscal year 2016 in the best financial health
it's ever had. This budget addresses the needs of the state while giving
back money to the hard working families of Mississippi," Gov. Bryant said.
"The increase in revenues is an opportunity to return money to the
taxpayers, not to spend more on government programs."
This tax credit will allow low to moderate income working families the
opportunity to take advantage of a nonrefundable tax credit. This will
allow for full or partial relief of an individual's income tax liability
depending on his or her income and filing status.
"I believe the additional money Mississippians will save on taxes will be
reinvested in the state's economy," Gov. Bryant said. "I look forward to
working with the Legislature in providing tax relief to working families,
as well as finding ways to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and
corporations."
To make sure the state is protected during uncertain economic times, the
tax credit will only be available in years when the "Rainy Day Fund
" is
full and revenue estimates meet or exceed 3 percent growth.
Gov. Bryant's $6.2 billion conservative, balanced budget does not spend any
one-time revenue on recurring expenses for the second year in a row. It
uses the General Fund Revenue estimate jointly adopted on November 10 of
$5.6 billion and has additional state support funds totaling $567 million.
The FY 2016 General Fund revenue estimate reflects 3 percent growth over FY
2015.
"I commend the Legislature for heeding my call to fill the Rainy Day Fund
during last year's State of the State address. It's now at its statutory
limit of 7.5 percent of appropriated funds and this will shield the state
from effects of the unexpected, like an economic downturn or natural
disaster."
Gov. Bryant's budget will request that the 2 percent set aside rule, which
has been used in past years, be suspended due to the "Rainy Day Fund" being
full.
Total funding for the MAEP will reach $2.187 billion with a $52.7 million
increase in the MAEP formula.
The budget again includes $15 million in funding for the implementation of
the Third Grade Reading Gate and $3 million for the Early Learning
Collaborative Program. Gov. Bryant's budget also maintains the commitment
of $2,500 pay raises for teachers and meets the full request of $22.6
million for the National Board Certified Teacher Program.
Additionally, an increase of $2.8 million is included for student financial
aid programs at the Mississippi Institutes of Higher Learning to provide
financial assistance for students attending colleges and universities.
"It is critical we continue to support and target key areas that help lead
to education success for our students," Gov. Bryant said. "I will ask the
legislature to create the Mississippi Works Scholarship Program which will
help students attain additional education and certifications at community
colleges as a continuation of the tech prep programs they are participating
in at the high school level."
$3 million is included in the budget for the creation of the Mississippi
Works Scholarship Program. Overall spending for public education is $2.5
billion for the 2016 budget period.
Additional budget highlights include:
Economic Development:
· An additional $5.1 million for the tourism budget to expand outreach
· An additional $1.1 million for site development grants and marketing
· Recommends continued funding of $52 million of state support funds to
the Office of State Aid Road Construction
Public Safety:
· Level funds military department and veterans' affairs
· Recommends 3 percent pay increase for on the road troopers and
employees of the driver services division of the Department of Public
Safety
· Maintains commitment of Driver License Modernization
MDOC:
· Level funding of MDOC at $346 million
Judicial System:
· Additional $329,000 for needs of more district attorneys across the
state
Emergency Management
· Maintains level funding for the Mississippi Emergency Management
Agency
· Recommends a funding increase of $2 million for the Wireless
Communications Commission (WCC) which manages the MSWIN System for
first responder communication. Total WCC funding recommendation is
$10 million
Healthcare:
· $2 million for the Jackson State University School of Public Health
· Budget includes $1.5 million for the Maternal and Infant Mortality
Reduction Initiative that's to be administered by the Department of
Health
· Budget recommends $1.2 million for universities and community
colleges to combat teen pregnancy, due to the highest percentage of
teen pregnancies occurring in teens between 18 and 19 years old
Medicaid:
· This budget maintains the legislative position of funding the
Division of Medicaid at previous year's levels, and Gov. Bryant will
work with the Legislature and the Division of Medicaid to support
proper funding in the upcoming session
Additional Recommendation:
· Budget includes $11.75 million of premium increase to state health
plan
· Budget sets aside $50 million for the Capital Expense Fund that's to
be properly managed and spent on true capital needs
· Budget sets aside $385 million for debt service but the number is
fluid due to bond issuance
###
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|USDA and Partners Complete First-of-Its-Kind Sale of Carbon Credits from Working Ranch |
| Grasslands |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today said a U.S. |
|Department of Agriculture grant has helped initiate a partnership that is improving the|
|environment, creating a market for carbon credits generated on working grasslands. |
|Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, recently purchased almost 40,000 carbon |
|dioxide reduction tons generated on working ranch grasslands in the Prairie Pothole |
|region of North Dakota. |
| |
| |
|"This announcement is the first-of-its-kind. The amount of carbon dioxide removed from |
|our atmosphere by Chevrolet's purchase of carbon credits equals the amount that would |
|be reduced by taking more than 5,000 cars off the road," Secretary Vilsack said. "This |
|public-private partnership demonstrates how much can be achieved with a modest federal |
|investment and a strong commitment to cut carbon pollution." |
| |
| |
|Robert Bonnie, USDA's under secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, announced |
|the purchase and USDA's involvement in the project at an event today at USDA |
|headquarters. He was joined by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow of |
|Michigan, Greg Martin, executive director for global public policy, General Motors; |
|Sean Penrith, executive director of The Climate Trust and Paul Schmidt, chief |
|conservation officer of Ducks Unlimited. |
| |
| |
|Chevrolet's first purchase of third-party verified carbon credits generated on working |
|ranch grasslands was undertaken voluntarily as part of its commitment to reduce eight |
|million tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted. This is comparable to the annual |
|carbon reduction benefit of a mature forest the size of Yellowstone National Park. |
| |
| |
|USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded $161,000 through a |
|Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) to Ducks Unlimited in 2011 to develop the necessary|
|methodology to quantify the carbon stored in the soil by avoiding grassland |
|conversions, resulting in the generation of carbon credits. |
| |
| |
|This is how the credit system works: |
| |
| |
| · Landowners voluntarily place lands under a perpetual easement but retain rights |
| to work the land, such as raising livestock and growing hay. |
| |
| |
| · The carbon storage benefits of this avoided conversion of grasslands are |
| quantified, verified, and formally registered resulting in carbon credits. |
| |
| |
| · The carbon credits are made available to entities interested in purchasing carbon|
| offsets. |
| |
| |
|The landowners receive compensation for the carbon credits generated on their lands. |
|"Ranchers benefit from new revenue streams, while thriving grasslands provide nesting |
|habitat for wildlife, are more resilient to extreme weather, and help mitigate the |
|impact of climate change," said Vilsack. |
| |
| |
|Besides the landowners, USDA, and Ducks Unlimited, other key partners that helped make |
|this project a success include The Climate Trust, American Carbon Registry, The Nature ||Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund and Terra Global Capital. |
| |
| |
|USDA's CIGs support the development of new technologies and approaches to agricultural |
|conservation on private lands. This project was one of nine greenhouse gas mitigation |
|and carbon market projects funded by NRCS 2011. More information on these innovative |
|projects can be found on the webpage of Coalition on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, a |
|strategic partner of USDA. |
| |
| |
|Public-private partnerships to enhance U.S. carbon sinks such as forests, grasslands, |
|wetlands and coastal areas, are a key part of President Obama's efforts to prepare |
|communities for the impacts of climate change and enhance the nation's climate |
|resilience. In October, as called for in the President's Climate Action Plan, the |
|Administration announced a Climate and Natural Resources Priority Agenda that |
|represents a first of its kind, comprehensive commitment across the Federal Government |
|to support resilience of our natural resources. It identifies a suite of actions |
|(including efforts like the USDA-Chevy agreement) the Federal Government will take to |
|enhance the resilience of America's natural resources to the impacts of climate change |
|and promote their ability to absorb carbon dioxide. |
| |
| |
|This announcement is one of many USDA efforts to help America's farmers, ranchers and |
|forest owners adapt to new challenges caused by a changing climate �
� ranging from more |
|intense weather events, to increased risk of wildfire, to a greater prevalence of |
|invasive species. While assessments on the future of agriculture and forestry show that|
|climate change holds these and other challenges in the years ahead, American producers |
|are longtime leaders in innovation, risk management and adaptation. USDA has supported |
|these efforts for more than a century. Now USDA is developing new tools to help rural |
|America create climate solutions and play a role in President Obama's comprehensive |
|effort to reduce carbon pollution. More information on USDA's work is available at |
|www.usda.gov/climatesolutions. |
| |
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|# |
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