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
###
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|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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