State
Hattiesburg appeals breach-of-contract award
Hattiesburg American
The City of Hattiesburg has appealed an arbitrator's award in a
breach of contract complaint to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/hattiesburg/2015/02/26/hattiesburg-appeals-arbitration-award/24088201/
City OKs recycling pact with towns, county
Tully Taylor
Enterprise-Journal
Thursday, February 26, 2015 2:00 pm
The McComb city board voted Tuesday to continue its recycling efforts and
entered into an interlocal agreement with Pike County, Summit, Osyka and
Magnolia to keep the program going throughout the county.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_5ca749fa-bddc-11e4-a1e3-e351f6b9df6f.html
County Deals with Ongoing Garbage Issues
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2015/02/county-deals-with-ongoing-trash-issue/
Mississippi Power's conversion of Gulfport's Plant Watson nearly complete
SUN HERALD
GULFPORT -- The last load of coal arrived by barge at Plant Watson as
Mississippi Power prepares to convert the plant to using strictly natural
gas.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/26/6092462/mississippi-powers-conversion.html
Judge grants request to silence Kemper manager
Clarion Ledger
A state court judge in Alabama has granted Southern Co.'s request to
keep a project manager at the Kemper County coal plant from
disclosing certain information about the facility.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/business/2015/02/26/judge-kemper-coal-silence-manager/24058847/
WANTED: Volunteers for Jackson cleanup
Clarion Ledger
The city of Jackson put out an alert, asking for volunteers.
They're needed for The Great American Cleanup on Saturday, March 7.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/02/26/jackson-great-cleanup/24056377/
Oil Spill
Southern Miss gets approval to buy research ship
AP
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The University of Southern Mississippi is
buying a new research vessel.
The State College Board on Wednesday approved the project Wednesday
on purchase of the "Point Sur" vessel from the San Jose State
University Research Foundation for $1 million. Funding came in a
grant from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/02/26/usm-research-ship/24054677/
Regional
Gulf oysters face less immediate danger from ocean acidification than
northern bi-valves, study says
Press-Register
Dennis Pillion
February 26, 2015 at 1:39 PM
Don't break out the Tabasco sauce to celebrate just yet, but oysters in
Mobile Bay and other estuaries along the Gulf of Mexico are facing less
danger from ocean acidification over the next few decades than bi-valve
molluscs (oysters, clams, mussels, scallops) in colder water, according to
a new study titled "Vulnerability and Adaptation of U.S. Shellfisheries to
Ocean Acidification."
http://www.al.com/news/beaches/index.ssf/2015/02/gulf_oysters_likely_to_face_le.html#incart_river
National
McCarthy Defends Viability of Carbon Capture Technologies Before House
Energy Panels
Bloomberg
Carbon capture and sequestration technologies are available and will
provide a path forward for the construction of new coal-fired power plants
in the U.S., Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy
said Feb. 25.http://www.bna.com/mccarthy-defends-viability-n17179923414/
State attorney general testifies against proposed EPA rules
Arkansas News
WASHINGTON — Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge told a House panel
on Thursday that the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing new
regulations beyond its authority that would do harm to her state.
http://arkansasnews.com/news/arkansas/state-attorney-general-testifies-against-proposed-epa-rules
Manufacturers: Even with costs halved, ozone reg could still be most
expensive
The Hill
Though a new study commissioned by the National Association of
Manufacturers cuts the compliance cost of the Environmental Protection
Agency's new ozone standards by half, the trade group said the proposed
rule could still be the nation's most costly.
http://thehill.com/regulation/233940-manufacturers-ozone-standard-could-still-be-the-nations-most-expensive-regulation
How 'Orphan' Wells Leave States Holding the Cleanup Bag
Wyoming has to deal with abandoned wells seized from would-be mogul and his
Gazmo device
Wall Street Journal
GILLETTE, Wyo.—After a natural-gas boom in the Powder River Basin here
petered out several years ago, few energy companies were interested in the
leftover wells pockmarking the prairie. Then Ed Presley came along.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-orphan-wells-leave-states-holding-the-cleanup-bag-1424921403?KEYWORDS=wyoming
Opinion
ELIZABETH BARBER — Putting Mississippi to work in a restoration economy
MBJ
Every region in the country has an economy that is tied to specific
sectors, and the Mississippi Coast is no different. A "cluster," in
economics, is a geographic concentration of interconnected industries and
businesses in a specific field. In December 2014, the Mississippi Business
Journal published a study looking at Mississippi's "blue economy": the
cluster formed by maritime industries – including shipbuilding, fishing,
oceanography and marine technology – that employ 35 percent of the
workforce in our three coastal counties.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/02/12/elizabeth-barber-putting-mississippi-work-restoration-economy/
Press Releases
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|USDA Opens Public Comment Period for Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Interim|
| Final Rule |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the |
|U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting public comments on its interim final rule |
|for the new Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), designed to help |
|producers protect working agricultural lands and wetlands. The 2014 Farm Bill |
|consolidated three previous conservation easement programs into ACEP to make it easier |
|for diverse agricultural landowners to fully benefit from conservation initiatives. |
| |
| |
|"Since 2009, USDA has worked with producers and private landowners to enroll a record |
|number of acres in conservation programs. This interim final rule takes into account |
|recommendations from agricultural landowners and conservation stakeholders about how to|
|better streamline and enhance conservation easement processes," Vilsack said. |
| |
| |
|USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers ACEP, a voluntary |
|program created in the 2014 Farm bill to protect and restore critical wetlands on |
|private and tribal lands through the wetland reserve easement component. ACEP also |
|encourages farmers, ranchers and non-industrial private forest landowners to keep their|
|private and tribal land in agricultural use through the agricultural land easement |
|component. ACEP also conserves grasslands, including rangeland, pastureland and |
|shrubland. |
| |
| |
|Under ACEP's agricultural land component, tribes, state and local governments and |
|non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs are |
|eligible to partner with USDA to purchase conservation easements. NRCS easement |
|programs have been a critical tool in recent years for advancing landscape-scale |
|private lands conservation. In FY 2014, NRCS used $328 million in ACEP funding to |
|enroll an estimated 143,833 acres of farmland, grassland, and wetlands through 485 new |
|easements. In Florida, NRCS used ACEP funds to enroll an additional 6,700 acres in the |
|Northern Everglades Watershed, supporting the restoration and protection of habitat for|
|a variety of listed species, including the Wood Stork, Crested caracara, and Eastern |
|Indigo Snake. In Georgia, NRCS used these funds to complete the Roundabout Swamp |
|project by enrolling 270 acres of the Carolina Bay to help restore and protect the |
|entire bay ecosystem to historic hydrology and vegetation. |
| |
| |
|ACEP's agricultural land easement component offers many benefits to landowners and |
|citizens. The easements protect the long-term viability of the nation's food supply by |
|preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. Other |
|benefits include environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and |
|protection of open space. |
| |
| |
|Under ACEP's wetland component, NRCS provides technical and financial assistance |
|directly to private and tribal landowners to restore, protect and enhance wetlands |
|through the purchase of wetland reserve easements. NRCS helps restore, protect and |
|enhance enrolled wetlands to provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including |
|threatened and endangered species; improve water quality by filtering sediments and |
|chemicals; reduce damage from flooding; recharge groundwater; protect biological |
|diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited |
|recreational activities. Under the wetland reserve easement component, eligible |
|landowners can choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Tribal landowners |
|also have the option of enrolling in 30-year contracts that are available only for |
|lands owned by American Indian tribes. |
| |
| |
|The official notice of the proposed ACEP interim final rule can be found in the Federal|
|Register. Electronic comments during the 60-day comment period must be submitted |
|through regulations.gov. Comments also can be hand carried or mailed to Public Comments|
|Processing, Attn: Docket No. NRCS-2014-0011, Regulatory and Agency Policy Team, |
|Strategic Planning and Accountability, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural |
|Resources Conservation Service, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Building 1-1112D, Beltsville, MD|
|20705. |
| |
| |
|Please visit the ACEP page or Farm Bill Program Rules page for more information on the |
|ACEP statutory changes. |
| |
| |
|Today's announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The 2014 Farm Bill builds|
|on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving |
|meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, |
|USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical |
|legislation, including establishing innovative public-private conservation |
|partnerships. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| USDA to Invest $84 Million to Help Communities in 13 States Recover from Natural |
| Disasters |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that |
|USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service will invest an additional $84 million |
|through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) to help disaster recovery |
|efforts through more than 150 projects in 13 states. |
| |
| |
|"This program helps communities carry out much needed recovery projects to address the |
|damage to watersheds that is caused by floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters,"|
|Vilsack said. "USDA is committed to helping repair and rebuild the rural communities |
|that anchor rural America and are a key part of our nation's economy." |
| |
| |
|EWP provides critical resources to local sponsors to help communities eliminate |
|imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, wind-storms and other |
|natural occurrences. EWP is an emergency recovery program. |
| |
| |
|The funds support a variety of recovery projects, including clearing debris-clogged |
|waterways, stabilizing stream banks, fixing jeopardized water control structures and |
|stabilizing soils after wildfires. |
| |
| |
|Projects include: |
| |
| |
| · Stabilizing Ground around Florida Homes and Roads: A 2014 storm unleashed more |
| than 20 inches of rain in one day in Florida, causing severe erosion that |
| threatened the safety of homes and roads. Eighteen sites in Escambia, Okaloosa, |
| Calhoun and Jackson counties have been approved for $5.9 million to help the |
| counties recover from the damages and remove the threat to homes and roads. This |
| work will include removal of debris and installation of structures that will |
| stabilize the land and prevent future erosion. |
| |
| |
| · Rebuilding after Heavy Rains and Tornados in Alabama: Torrential rains and a |
| series of tornadoes in 2014 led to millions of dollars in damage to several |
| Alabama communities. These natural disasters eroded stream banks, created gullies|
| and increased runoff of nutrients and sediment into waterways. NRCS is investing |
| $2.9 million in projects for 32 sites, working with six cities and five counties |
| to help restore stream corridors, remove debris, curb erosion problems and |
| prevent future flooding. |
| |
| |
| · Conservation Work Helps Colorado Communities Rebound from Massive Flood: A 2013 |
| flood caused $3 billion in damages in 18 counties in Colorado. NRCS is investing |
| $56.9 million in the second phase of a project to help restore stream corridors, |
| remove debris and prevent future flooding. Work will target about 500 sites in |
| the area. These projects bring together state agencies, 20 local governments, |
| watershed planning coalitions and other groups. This second phase of work builds |
| on a $12.9 million investment in 2013. |
| |
| |
|NRCS will also fund projects in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, New |
|Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Vermont. For more information about funding |
|amounts and descriptions by state, please visit the 2015 Projects of Emergency |
|Watershed Protection Program website. |
| |
| |
|EWP work must be sponsored by a public agency of the state, tribal, county or city |
|government. NRCS provides 75 percent of the funds for the project; the public |
|organization pays the remaining 25 percent. EWP allows NRCS to put its engineering |
|expertise to work in a variety of places – both rural and urban. |
| |
| |
|For more information on NRCS programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or a local |
|USDA service center. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|USDA Expands Investments in Next-Generation Bioenergy Development |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 26, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the |
|availability of up to $8.7 million in funding for bioenergy research and education |
|efforts as well as publishing the final rule for a program that provides incentives for|
|farmers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for |
|renewable energy. Both programs are made available through the 2014 Farm Bill. The |
|Secretary made the announcements during remarks to the Growth Energy Executive |
|Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. |
| |
| |
|"USDA's support for innovative bioenergy research and education supports rural economic|
|development, reduces carbon pollution and helps decrease our dependence on foreign |
|energy," said Vilsack. "These investments will keep America moving toward a clean |
|energy economy and offer new jobs and opportunities in rural communities." |
| |
| |
|USDA will publish the final rule on the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) in |
|tomorrow's Federal Register. BCAP provides up to $25 million each year in financial |
|assistance to owners and operators of agricultural and non-industrial private forest |
|land who wish to establish, produce, and deliver biomass feedstocks to a qualifying |
|energy facility. The rule includes modifications to cost sharing, eligible types of |
|biomass and other definitions. Stakeholders are encouraged to visit www.regulations.gov|
|to review program details and provide comments during a 60-day public comment period. |
|Comments are due by April 28, 2015. The full program will resume in 90 days on May 28, |
|2015. Additional information on application dates will be announced this spring. For |
|more information on the program, visit the web at www.fsa.usda.gov/bcap and to learn |
|more about the Farm Service Agency, visit www.fsa.usda.gov. |
| |
| |
|USDA is also taking applications for research and education grants through the USDA's |
|National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Biomass Research and Development |
|Initiative (BRDI). BRDI is a joint program through NIFA and the U.S. Energy Department |
|(DOE) to develop economically and environmentally sustainable sources of renewable |
|biomass, increase the availability of renewable fuels and biobased products to help |
|replace the need for gasoline and diesel in vehicles, and diversify our energy |
|portfolio. |
| |
| |
|Applicants seeking BRDI funding must propose projects that integrate science and |
|engineering research in the following three areas: feedstock development; biofuels and |
|biobased products development; and biofuels development analysis. Past projects include|
|a grant to the Quad County Corn Cooperative in Galva, Iowa that is retrofitting an |
|existing corn starch ethanol plant to add value to its byproducts, which will be |
|marketed to the feed markets and to the biodiesel industry. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. in|
|Findlay, Ohio, is seeking to use remaining plant residue from the guayule shrub, which |
|is used for rubber production, for use in biopower and for conversion to jet fuel |
|precursors. The University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, is developing |
|closed-loop energy systems using dairy manure as source of fiber and fertilizer. |
| |
| |
|A description of the solicitation, eligibility requirements, and application |
|instructions for the BRDI program can be found at http://www.grants.gov/ under |
|Reference Number USDA-NIFA-9008-004957. Concept papers are due by March 27, 2015 and |
|full applications are by July 27, 2015. |
| |
| |
|Both BCAP and BRDI were made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill, which builds on historic |
|economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful |
|reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. Since enactment, USDA has |
|made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, |
|including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk |
|management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; |
|establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new |
|markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community|
|facilities to help improve quality of life in rural America. For more information, |
|visit www.usda.gov/farmbill. |
| |
| |
|Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, |
|USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) focuses on investing in |
|science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's |
|future. More information is available at: www.nifa.usda.gov. |
| |
| |
|DOE's Biomass Program works with industry, academia, and national laboratory partners |
|on a balanced portfolio of research in biomass feedstock and conversion technologies. |
|For more information on DOE's Biomass Program, please visit www.energy.gov/biomass. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Friday, February 27, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
News Clippings 2/26/15
State
Canton receives recycling grant
Madison County Journal
CANTON - The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has awarded
$25,000 to the city of Canton to promote and expand its recycling program.
http://onlinemadison.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=29876
Chinese bank renews intent to finance local BlueFire plant
Itawamba County Times
The Export-Import Bank of China have renewed their financial support of
Fulton's long-gestating ethanol plant project.
http://itawambatimes.com/2015/02/25/chinese-bank-renews-intent-finance-local-bluefire-plant/
Utility Authority has Many Plans
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2015/02/utility-authority-has-many-plans/
Oil Spill
M.D.E.Q. Plans to Use Litigation Money from BP Spill Effectively
WXXV
The Mississippi Gulf Coast still has a long way to go in recovering from
the BP oil spill.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/M-D-E-Q-Plans-to-Use-Litigation-Money-from-BP/MIYlILG6Mk27kbyP-Q83nw.cspx
Point system created to award RESTORE money
Pensacola News Journal
Consultants for Escambia County have devised a point system to
determine how to award up to $150 million to those who apply for
project money.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2015/02/25/restore-point-system-created-escambia/23999585/
Regional
EPA to probe NC agency's hog farm regulations
AP
RALEIGH – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will investigate
whether North Carolina's environmental agency lightly regulated the
state's industrial hog operations because their neighbors are
minorities.
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2015/02/25/epa-probe-nc-agencys-hog-farm-regulations/24010211/
National
GOP battles with EPA over rules
The Hill
House Republicans used a Wednesday hearing on the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) budget to attack various regulations being pursued by the
agency.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/233809-gop-battles-with-epa-over-rules
Food Waste Is Becoming Serious Economic and Environmental Issue, Report
Says
NY Times
WASHINGTON — With millions of households across the
country struggling to have enough to eat, and millions of
tons of food being tossed in the garbage, food waste is
increasingly being seen as a serious environmental and
economic issue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/26/us/food-waste-is-becoming-serious-economic-and-environmental-issue-report-says.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Trying to encourage women to become engineers
BY RENEE SCHOOF
McClatchy Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — Jennifer Boykin broke some stereotypes when she was young.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/25/6090278/trying-to-encourage-women-to-become.html
Canton receives recycling grant
Madison County Journal
CANTON - The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has awarded
$25,000 to the city of Canton to promote and expand its recycling program.
http://onlinemadison.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=29876
Chinese bank renews intent to finance local BlueFire plant
Itawamba County Times
The Export-Import Bank of China have renewed their financial support of
Fulton's long-gestating ethanol plant project.
http://itawambatimes.com/2015/02/25/chinese-bank-renews-intent-finance-local-bluefire-plant/
Utility Authority has Many Plans
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2015/02/utility-authority-has-many-plans/
Oil Spill
M.D.E.Q. Plans to Use Litigation Money from BP Spill Effectively
WXXV
The Mississippi Gulf Coast still has a long way to go in recovering from
the BP oil spill.
http://www.wxxv25.com/news/local/story/M-D-E-Q-Plans-to-Use-Litigation-Money-from-BP/MIYlILG6Mk27kbyP-Q83nw.cspx
Point system created to award RESTORE money
Pensacola News Journal
Consultants for Escambia County have devised a point system to
determine how to award up to $150 million to those who apply for
project money.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2015/02/25/restore-point-system-created-escambia/23999585/
Regional
EPA to probe NC agency's hog farm regulations
AP
RALEIGH – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will investigate
whether North Carolina's environmental agency lightly regulated the
state's industrial hog operations because their neighbors are
minorities.
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2015/02/25/epa-probe-nc-agencys-hog-farm-regulations/24010211/
National
GOP battles with EPA over rules
The Hill
House Republicans used a Wednesday hearing on the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) budget to attack various regulations being pursued by the
agency.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/233809-gop-battles-with-epa-over-rules
Food Waste Is Becoming Serious Economic and Environmental Issue, Report
Says
NY Times
WASHINGTON — With millions of households across the
country struggling to have enough to eat, and millions of
tons of food being tossed in the garbage, food waste is
increasingly being seen as a serious environmental and
economic issue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/26/us/food-waste-is-becoming-serious-economic-and-environmental-issue-report-says.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Trying to encourage women to become engineers
BY RENEE SCHOOF
McClatchy Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — Jennifer Boykin broke some stereotypes when she was young.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/25/6090278/trying-to-encourage-women-to-become.html
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
News Clippings 2.25.15
State
D'Iberville agrees to sell Ocean Expo land in whale of a deal
Sun Herald
BY MARY PEREZ
D'IBERVILLE -- In a multi-part deal, D'Iberville officials agreed Tuesday
to sell the Ocean Expo site along Interstate 10 to Ramco Real Estate for
$7.6 million.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/24/6088649_diberville-agrees-to-sell-ocean.html?rh=1
CMR looks at oyster dredge comparison
WLOX
Is a certain type of oyster dredge doing unnecessary harm to the reefs in
Mississippi? The Commission on Marine Resources is addressing that concern.
The CMR has been investigating this issue since last summer.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28191718/cmr-looks-at-oyster-dredge-comparison
City prepares to fix sewage problem
Natchez Democrat
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2015/02/25/city-prepares-to-fix-sewage-problem/
New leader chosen for Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway board
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, MISS. — The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority
has hired an Alabama man as its new administrator.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/25/6089463/new-leader-chosen-for-tennessee.html
Oil Spill
BP challenges ruling over size of 2010 oil spill
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
February 24, 2015 at 12:07 PM
BP is challenging a January ruling over the size of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico
oil spill as it seeks to lower its civil penalty for the disaster. BP faces
up to $13.7 billion in federal fines.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2015/02/bp_oil_spill_size_ruling_appea.html#incart_river
22 RESTORE proposals weighed
Panama City News Herald
By JOHN HENDERSON
Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 19:19 PM.
PANAMA CITY — A citizens advisory committee heard pitches Tuesday from
organizations vying for a share of a $6.3 million pie of money expected to
come to Bay County next year from Deepwater Horizon oil spill damages.
http://www.newsherald.com/news/government/22-restore-proposals-weighed-1.442525
National
Obama vetoes Keystone XL pipeline bill
Fox News
President Obama on Tuesday followed through on his vow to veto
bipartisan-backed legislation authorizing the Keystone XL pipeline, marking
his first veto of the Republican-led Congress and only the third of his
presidency.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/02/24/obama-to-usher-in-new-phase-presidency-with-keystone-veto/?intcmp=latestnews
GOP attacks EPA on 'secret science'
The Hill
Republican lawmakers introduced new legislation Tuesday aimed at shining a
light on the science behind the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)
regulations.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/233714-gop-attacks-epa-on-secret-science
House passes bill to study algal toxins in drinking water
The Hill
The House passed legislation on Tuesday directing the Environmental
Protection Agency to study how to test drinking water for algal toxins.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/233741-house-passes-bill-to-study-algal-toxins-in-drinking-water
Federal EPA to oversee pesticide inspections in North Dakota
AP
A federal audit has concluded that acceptable pesticide inspections haven't
been conducted in North Dakota for years, possibly endangering the public.
http://www.wral.com/federal-epa-to-oversee-pesticide-inspections-in-north-dakota/14467222/
Press Releases
UPS, Bank of America, SC Johnson among 16 Organizations across the U.S.
Recognized for Climate Action
EPA also recognizes Chevrolet Clean Energy Campus Campaign, San Diego
Regional Climate Collaborative in new Innovative Partnerships Category
WASHINGTON – From an innovative partnership enabling colleges to sell
carbon credits to fund clean energy projects on campuses to some of the
country's leading corporations setting and exceeding aggressive emission
reduction goals, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate
Leadership Award winners announced today are demonstrating that innovative
actions to combat climate change are smart business decisions. Sixteen
organizations and one individual representing a wide array of industries
from finance and manufacturing to retail and technology show exemplary
corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in response to climate
change.
"I am proud to recognize our Climate Leadership Award winners for their
actions to reduce the harmful carbon pollution that's fueling climate
change," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Our winners are
demonstrating that a healthy environment and a strong economy go hand in
hand. These organizations are providing the leadership, commitment, and
solutions needed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and meet head on the
challenge of a changing climate."
EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership, in partnership with the
Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and
Energy Solutions (C2ES), and The Climate Registry (TCR), announced the
fourth annual Climate Leadership Award winners.
The 2015 Climate Leadership Award recipients are:
· Innovative Partnerships Certificate (new category): This award
recognizes organizations working collaboratively on leading edge
climate initiatives with established objectives to measurably address
greenhouse gas reduction goals and/or adaptation and resilience
activities. This year's recipients include:
o ChevroletClean Energy Campus Campaign (Detroit, Mich.): The
Chevrolet Campus Clean Energy Campaign marks the first time
college campuses have been able to use carbon performance
methodologies to earn revenue via GHG reductions that result
from on-campus efficiency and clean energy. The Campaign set a
100 percent absolute GHG reduction goal through 2014 (2012 base
year).
· o San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (San Diego, Calif.): The
Climate Collaborative supports members in setting and meeting GHG
reduction targets via trainings and information on GHG inventory and
monitoring tools; sharing climate action plan templates; supporting
local governments in developing climate action plans; developing
capacity for local governments to implement measures in their climate
action plans; and more.
· Organizational Leadership Award: Bank of America (Charlotte, N.C.) is
being honored with this award for not only completing its own
comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory and setting an aggressive
emissions reduction goal, but also exemplifying extraordinary
leadership in its internal response to climate change through
engagement of its peers, competitors, partners, and supply chain, and
addressing climate risk in its enterprise strategies. Bank of America
issued the first corporate green bond to fund energy efficiency
projects in 2013. Bank of America is setting an absolute global
greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal of 15 percent from 2010 levels
through 2015. This goal builds on a previous total reduction of 18
percent of its U.S. GHG emissions from 2004-2009.
· Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Achievement Award): The
following organizations are being honored for publicly reporting and
verifying organization-wide greenhouse gas inventories and achieving
publicly-set aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals:
o o The City and County of San Francisco;
o o The Clorox Company (Oakland, Calif.);
o o DPR Construction (Redwood City, Calif.);
o o SC Johnson (Racine, Wis.);
o o Sprint (Overland Park, Kan.); and
o o UPS (Atlanta).
· Individual Leadership Award: Mayor Bill Finch, City of Bridgeport,
Conn., is being recognized for demonstrating extraordinary leadership
in driving meaningful climate action within the Greater Bridgeport
community and throughout the City's operations. The Mayor is
implementing an emission reduction goal for the city of 10 percent
below 2007 levels by 2020.
· Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting Certificate):
The following organizations are being honored for publicly reporting
and verifying organization-wide greenhouse gas inventories and
publicly setting aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals:
o o Brown-Forman Corporation (Louisville, Ky.);
o o California Department of Water Resources;
o o Capital One Financial Corporation (McLean, Va.);
o o CH2M HILL (Englewood, Colo.);
o o The Clorox Company (Oakland, Calif.);
o o EMC Corporation (Hopkinton, Mass.);
o o The Hartford (Hartford, Conn.); and
o o Tiffany & Co. (New York).
"Climate change presents immense challenges across an incredible array of
sectors, geographic regions and job functions," said Daniel Kreeger,
executive director of the Association of Climate Change Officers. "The 2015
Climate Leadership Award winners have shown that incorporating climate into
decision making is critical to their organizational success and are raising
the bar on climate action."
"After the hottest year globally on record, action on climate change is
more urgent than ever," said Elliot Diringer, executive vice president of
C2ES. "We applaud the CLA winners for demonstrating the many paths forward
to a low-carbon future, and hope others follow their example."
"The Climate Registry is honored to recognize an impressive group of
climate champions for their dedication to and leadership in addressing
climate change in their operations," said David Rosenheim, executive
director of TCR. "This year's deserving award winners are leading the way
in reducing carbon pollution through greater transparency and consistent
data, demonstrating the path to a more sustainable future."
The awards were presented at the 2015 Climate Leadership Conference in
Arlington, Va.
EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership establishes norms of climate
leadership by encouraging organizations with emerging climate objectives to
identify and achieve cost-effective GHG emission reductions, while helping
more advanced organizations drive innovations in reducing their greenhouse
gas impacts in their supply chains and beyond. The Center provides
technical tools, guidance, educational resources, and opportunities for
information sharing and peer exchange among organizations interested in
reducing the environmental impacts associated with climate change.
More information about the 2015 Climate Leadership Award winners:
www.epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/2015winners.html
More information about EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership:
www.epa.gov/climateleadership
Governor Bryant Sets Special Election Date for 1st Congressional District
JACKSON—Gov. Phil Bryant today issued a Writ of Election, setting May 12 as
the special election date to fill the seat left vacant in Mississippi's 1st
Congressional District by the passing of U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee on Feb. 6.
"Alan Nunnelee served the people of Mississippi with integrity and
distinction," Gov. Bryant said. "We will remember him and miss him long
past this election."
The qualifying deadline for candidates is 5 p.m. on March 27.
If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast in the special
election, a runoff election will be held June 2.
###
D'Iberville agrees to sell Ocean Expo land in whale of a deal
Sun Herald
BY MARY PEREZ
D'IBERVILLE -- In a multi-part deal, D'Iberville officials agreed Tuesday
to sell the Ocean Expo site along Interstate 10 to Ramco Real Estate for
$7.6 million.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/24/6088649_diberville-agrees-to-sell-ocean.html?rh=1
CMR looks at oyster dredge comparison
WLOX
Is a certain type of oyster dredge doing unnecessary harm to the reefs in
Mississippi? The Commission on Marine Resources is addressing that concern.
The CMR has been investigating this issue since last summer.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28191718/cmr-looks-at-oyster-dredge-comparison
City prepares to fix sewage problem
Natchez Democrat
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/2015/02/25/city-prepares-to-fix-sewage-problem/
New leader chosen for Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway board
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, MISS. — The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority
has hired an Alabama man as its new administrator.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/25/6089463/new-leader-chosen-for-tennessee.html
Oil Spill
BP challenges ruling over size of 2010 oil spill
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
February 24, 2015 at 12:07 PM
BP is challenging a January ruling over the size of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico
oil spill as it seeks to lower its civil penalty for the disaster. BP faces
up to $13.7 billion in federal fines.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2015/02/bp_oil_spill_size_ruling_appea.html#incart_river
22 RESTORE proposals weighed
Panama City News Herald
By JOHN HENDERSON
Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 19:19 PM.
PANAMA CITY — A citizens advisory committee heard pitches Tuesday from
organizations vying for a share of a $6.3 million pie of money expected to
come to Bay County next year from Deepwater Horizon oil spill damages.
http://www.newsherald.com/news/government/22-restore-proposals-weighed-1.442525
National
Obama vetoes Keystone XL pipeline bill
Fox News
President Obama on Tuesday followed through on his vow to veto
bipartisan-backed legislation authorizing the Keystone XL pipeline, marking
his first veto of the Republican-led Congress and only the third of his
presidency.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/02/24/obama-to-usher-in-new-phase-presidency-with-keystone-veto/?intcmp=latestnews
GOP attacks EPA on 'secret science'
The Hill
Republican lawmakers introduced new legislation Tuesday aimed at shining a
light on the science behind the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)
regulations.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/233714-gop-attacks-epa-on-secret-science
House passes bill to study algal toxins in drinking water
The Hill
The House passed legislation on Tuesday directing the Environmental
Protection Agency to study how to test drinking water for algal toxins.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/233741-house-passes-bill-to-study-algal-toxins-in-drinking-water
Federal EPA to oversee pesticide inspections in North Dakota
AP
A federal audit has concluded that acceptable pesticide inspections haven't
been conducted in North Dakota for years, possibly endangering the public.
http://www.wral.com/federal-epa-to-oversee-pesticide-inspections-in-north-dakota/14467222/
Press Releases
UPS, Bank of America, SC Johnson among 16 Organizations across the U.S.
Recognized for Climate Action
EPA also recognizes Chevrolet Clean Energy Campus Campaign, San Diego
Regional Climate Collaborative in new Innovative Partnerships Category
WASHINGTON – From an innovative partnership enabling colleges to sell
carbon credits to fund clean energy projects on campuses to some of the
country's leading corporations setting and exceeding aggressive emission
reduction goals, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate
Leadership Award winners announced today are demonstrating that innovative
actions to combat climate change are smart business decisions. Sixteen
organizations and one individual representing a wide array of industries
from finance and manufacturing to retail and technology show exemplary
corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in response to climate
change.
"I am proud to recognize our Climate Leadership Award winners for their
actions to reduce the harmful carbon pollution that's fueling climate
change," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Our winners are
demonstrating that a healthy environment and a strong economy go hand in
hand. These organizations are providing the leadership, commitment, and
solutions needed to cut greenhouse gas emissions and meet head on the
challenge of a changing climate."
EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership, in partnership with the
Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), the Center for Climate and
Energy Solutions (C2ES), and The Climate Registry (TCR), announced the
fourth annual Climate Leadership Award winners.
The 2015 Climate Leadership Award recipients are:
· Innovative Partnerships Certificate (new category): This award
recognizes organizations working collaboratively on leading edge
climate initiatives with established objectives to measurably address
greenhouse gas reduction goals and/or adaptation and resilience
activities. This year's recipients include:
o ChevroletClean Energy Campus Campaign (Detroit, Mich.): The
Chevrolet Campus Clean Energy Campaign marks the first time
college campuses have been able to use carbon performance
methodologies to earn revenue via GHG reductions that result
from on-campus efficiency and clean energy. The Campaign set a
100 percent absolute GHG reduction goal through 2014 (2012 base
year).
· o San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (San Diego, Calif.): The
Climate Collaborative supports members in setting and meeting GHG
reduction targets via trainings and information on GHG inventory and
monitoring tools; sharing climate action plan templates; supporting
local governments in developing climate action plans; developing
capacity for local governments to implement measures in their climate
action plans; and more.
· Organizational Leadership Award: Bank of America (Charlotte, N.C.) is
being honored with this award for not only completing its own
comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory and setting an aggressive
emissions reduction goal, but also exemplifying extraordinary
leadership in its internal response to climate change through
engagement of its peers, competitors, partners, and supply chain, and
addressing climate risk in its enterprise strategies. Bank of America
issued the first corporate green bond to fund energy efficiency
projects in 2013. Bank of America is setting an absolute global
greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal of 15 percent from 2010 levels
through 2015. This goal builds on a previous total reduction of 18
percent of its U.S. GHG emissions from 2004-2009.
· Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Achievement Award): The
following organizations are being honored for publicly reporting and
verifying organization-wide greenhouse gas inventories and achieving
publicly-set aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals:
o o The City and County of San Francisco;
o o The Clorox Company (Oakland, Calif.);
o o DPR Construction (Redwood City, Calif.);
o o SC Johnson (Racine, Wis.);
o o Sprint (Overland Park, Kan.); and
o o UPS (Atlanta).
· Individual Leadership Award: Mayor Bill Finch, City of Bridgeport,
Conn., is being recognized for demonstrating extraordinary leadership
in driving meaningful climate action within the Greater Bridgeport
community and throughout the City's operations. The Mayor is
implementing an emission reduction goal for the city of 10 percent
below 2007 levels by 2020.
· Excellence in Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting Certificate):
The following organizations are being honored for publicly reporting
and verifying organization-wide greenhouse gas inventories and
publicly setting aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals:
o o Brown-Forman Corporation (Louisville, Ky.);
o o California Department of Water Resources;
o o Capital One Financial Corporation (McLean, Va.);
o o CH2M HILL (Englewood, Colo.);
o o The Clorox Company (Oakland, Calif.);
o o EMC Corporation (Hopkinton, Mass.);
o o The Hartford (Hartford, Conn.); and
o o Tiffany & Co. (New York).
"Climate change presents immense challenges across an incredible array of
sectors, geographic regions and job functions," said Daniel Kreeger,
executive director of the Association of Climate Change Officers. "The 2015
Climate Leadership Award winners have shown that incorporating climate into
decision making is critical to their organizational success and are raising
the bar on climate action."
"After the hottest year globally on record, action on climate change is
more urgent than ever," said Elliot Diringer, executive vice president of
C2ES. "We applaud the CLA winners for demonstrating the many paths forward
to a low-carbon future, and hope others follow their example."
"The Climate Registry is honored to recognize an impressive group of
climate champions for their dedication to and leadership in addressing
climate change in their operations," said David Rosenheim, executive
director of TCR. "This year's deserving award winners are leading the way
in reducing carbon pollution through greater transparency and consistent
data, demonstrating the path to a more sustainable future."
The awards were presented at the 2015 Climate Leadership Conference in
Arlington, Va.
EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership establishes norms of climate
leadership by encouraging organizations with emerging climate objectives to
identify and achieve cost-effective GHG emission reductions, while helping
more advanced organizations drive innovations in reducing their greenhouse
gas impacts in their supply chains and beyond. The Center provides
technical tools, guidance, educational resources, and opportunities for
information sharing and peer exchange among organizations interested in
reducing the environmental impacts associated with climate change.
More information about the 2015 Climate Leadership Award winners:
www.epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/2015winners.html
More information about EPA's Center for Corporate Climate Leadership:
www.epa.gov/climateleadership
Governor Bryant Sets Special Election Date for 1st Congressional District
JACKSON—Gov. Phil Bryant today issued a Writ of Election, setting May 12 as
the special election date to fill the seat left vacant in Mississippi's 1st
Congressional District by the passing of U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee on Feb. 6.
"Alan Nunnelee served the people of Mississippi with integrity and
distinction," Gov. Bryant said. "We will remember him and miss him long
past this election."
The qualifying deadline for candidates is 5 p.m. on March 27.
If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast in the special
election, a runoff election will be held June 2.
###
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
News Clippings 2.24.15
State
MDEQ awards waste assistance grant to Covington Co.
Hattiesburg American
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality recently awarded
Covington County a solid waste assistance grant of $14,158 that will
be used by the county for illegal dumping enforcement efforts.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/2015/02/23/mdeq-waste-assistance-grant/23900837/
Anthony charged with conspiracy in utility authority investigation
WLOX
Sean Anthony is now charged with one count of conspiracy in connection with
the Harrison County Utility Authority investigation.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28180692/anthony-charged-with-conspiracy-in-utility-authority-investigation
Harrison County Utility Authority contractor S.H. Anthony charged with
conspiracy
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
Contractor S.H. "Sean" Anthony has been charged with conspiracy for
allegedly bribing the former Harrison County Utility Authority director and
a member of the board.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/23/6086712_utility-authority-contractor-sh.html?rh=1
Oil Spill
BP appeals U.S. judge's ruling on size of Gulf oil spill
Reuters
Mon, Feb 23 2015
NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - BP Plc on Monday appealed a federal judge's finding
of the size of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which leaves the company
potentially liable to pay $13.7 billion in fines.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/23/us-usa-bp-spill-idUSKBN0LR29B20150223
National
As ocean acid grows, coasts and fisheries vulnerable, study says
BY CHRIS ADAMS
McClatchy Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — The gradual increase of acid in the oceans threatens coastal
communities in 15 states, although the reason for the impact – and what to
do about it – varies widely, according to a new study.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/23/6086612/as-ocean-acid-grows-coasts-and.html
New regs for Tuesday: Fish, nuclear meltdown, foreign language
The Hill
Tuesday's edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for pregnant
women eating fish, preventing nuclear power plant meltdowns, forecasting
energy demand, and energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and
freezers.
http://thehill.com/regulation/233470-new-regs-for-tuesday-fish-nuclear-meltdown-foreign-language
Army Corps Project Pits Farmland Against Flood Threat
NPR
For years, some small towns and farmers along the Mississippi River have
been battling each other over a flood project set up by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/02/24/388463024/army-corps-project-pits-farmland-against-flood-threat
Press releases
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| USDA Seeks Grant Proposals to Increase Recreational Public Access on Private |
| Agricultural, Forest Lands |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $20 |
|million is being made available to improve wildlife habitat and enhance public access |
|for recreational opportunities on privately held and operated farm, ranch and forest |
|lands. Funding is available to state and tribal governments through the Voluntary |
|Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP), authorized in the 2014 Farm |
|Bill. |
| |
| |
|"USDA is harnessing the power of partnerships with state and tribal governments to |
|ensure that our rural communities are able to sustain important recreational and |
|economic opportunities," said Vilsack. "Enhancing wildlife habitat and providing new |
|opportunities for the public to hunt and fish will create economic activity, and also |
|encourage more Americans to enjoy the outdoors," said Vilsack. |
| |
| |
|According to a 2013 study commissioned by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, |
|the outdoor recreation economy supports 6.1 million direct jobs, $80 billion in |
|federal, state, and local tax revenue, and $646 billion in spending each year. Under |
|VPA-HIP, state and tribal governments may apply for grants to encourage owners and |
|operators of privately held farm, ranch or forest land to voluntarily open that land |
|for public hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation and to improve fish|
|and wildlife habitat on that land. State and tribal governments may use VPA-HIP funds |
|to create new public access programs, expand existing public access programs and to |
|improve wildlife habitat on enrolled public access program lands. |
| |
| |
|Eligible governments are eligible to apply for VPA-HIP funds for proposed projects that|
|can span up to three years. Award amounts range from $75,000 to $1 million per year. |
|USDA's 60-day application period will run from Feb. 23 through April 24, 2015. Eligible|
|governments must complete the applications through Grants.gov. Funding is not directly |
|awarded by USDA to individuals or groups. Since the reauthorization of VPA-HIP in the |
|2014 Farm Bill, the program has been administered through the Natural Resources |
|Conservation Service (NRCS). USDA provides the funds directly to state and tribal |
|governments and they, in turn, disburse the funds to private landowners. |
| |
| |
|Funding priority will be given to applications that meet the following criteria: |
| |
| |
| · Increase private land acreage available for public use; |
| |
| |
| · Offer a public access program that gains widespread acceptance among landowners; |
| |
| |
| · Make special efforts to reach historically underserved or socially disadvantaged |
| landowners; |
| |
| |
| · Ensure appropriate wildlife habitat is located on enrolled land; |
| |
| |
| · Strengthen existing wildlife habitat improvement efforts; |
| |
| |
| · Follow NRCS conservation practice standards for VPA-HIP habitat improvement |
| activities; and; |
| |
| |
| · Inform the public about the locations of existing and new lands where public |
| access is available. |
| |
| |
|Today's announcement marks the second funding round. The first round of funding under |
|the NRCS-administered VPA-HIP occurred in fiscal year 2014. USDA provided $20 million |
|for access to approximately 2.5 million acres in nine states and one tribal nation and |
|to help state and tribal governments advance recreational opportunities through |
|wildlife habitat and public access improvements on private lands. More information on |
|the fiscal year 2014 grantees can be viewed at VPA-HIP 2014 Funding Grantees. |
| |
| |
|For more information, see the notice on Grants.gov or the NRCS VPA-HIP website. |
| |
| |
|The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past |
|five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for |
|taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each |
|provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers |
|and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; |
|funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation |
|partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in |
|infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in |
|rural America. For more information, visit http://www.usda.gov/farmbill. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
MDEQ awards waste assistance grant to Covington Co.
Hattiesburg American
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality recently awarded
Covington County a solid waste assistance grant of $14,158 that will
be used by the county for illegal dumping enforcement efforts.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/2015/02/23/mdeq-waste-assistance-grant/23900837/
Anthony charged with conspiracy in utility authority investigation
WLOX
Sean Anthony is now charged with one count of conspiracy in connection with
the Harrison County Utility Authority investigation.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28180692/anthony-charged-with-conspiracy-in-utility-authority-investigation
Harrison County Utility Authority contractor S.H. Anthony charged with
conspiracy
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
Contractor S.H. "Sean" Anthony has been charged with conspiracy for
allegedly bribing the former Harrison County Utility Authority director and
a member of the board.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/23/6086712_utility-authority-contractor-sh.html?rh=1
Oil Spill
BP appeals U.S. judge's ruling on size of Gulf oil spill
Reuters
Mon, Feb 23 2015
NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - BP Plc on Monday appealed a federal judge's finding
of the size of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which leaves the company
potentially liable to pay $13.7 billion in fines.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/23/us-usa-bp-spill-idUSKBN0LR29B20150223
National
As ocean acid grows, coasts and fisheries vulnerable, study says
BY CHRIS ADAMS
McClatchy Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — The gradual increase of acid in the oceans threatens coastal
communities in 15 states, although the reason for the impact – and what to
do about it – varies widely, according to a new study.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/23/6086612/as-ocean-acid-grows-coasts-and.html
New regs for Tuesday: Fish, nuclear meltdown, foreign language
The Hill
Tuesday's edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for pregnant
women eating fish, preventing nuclear power plant meltdowns, forecasting
energy demand, and energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers and
freezers.
http://thehill.com/regulation/233470-new-regs-for-tuesday-fish-nuclear-meltdown-foreign-language
Army Corps Project Pits Farmland Against Flood Threat
NPR
For years, some small towns and farmers along the Mississippi River have
been battling each other over a flood project set up by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/02/24/388463024/army-corps-project-pits-farmland-against-flood-threat
Press releases
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| USDA Seeks Grant Proposals to Increase Recreational Public Access on Private |
| Agricultural, Forest Lands |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $20 |
|million is being made available to improve wildlife habitat and enhance public access |
|for recreational opportunities on privately held and operated farm, ranch and forest |
|lands. Funding is available to state and tribal governments through the Voluntary |
|Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP), authorized in the 2014 Farm |
|Bill. |
| |
| |
|"USDA is harnessing the power of partnerships with state and tribal governments to |
|ensure that our rural communities are able to sustain important recreational and |
|economic opportunities," said Vilsack. "Enhancing wildlife habitat and providing new |
|opportunities for the public to hunt and fish will create economic activity, and also |
|encourage more Americans to enjoy the outdoors," said Vilsack. |
| |
| |
|According to a 2013 study commissioned by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, |
|the outdoor recreation economy supports 6.1 million direct jobs, $80 billion in |
|federal, state, and local tax revenue, and $646 billion in spending each year. Under |
|VPA-HIP, state and tribal governments may apply for grants to encourage owners and |
|operators of privately held farm, ranch or forest land to voluntarily open that land |
|for public hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation and to improve fish|
|and wildlife habitat on that land. State and tribal governments may use VPA-HIP funds |
|to create new public access programs, expand existing public access programs and to |
|improve wildlife habitat on enrolled public access program lands. |
| |
| |
|Eligible governments are eligible to apply for VPA-HIP funds for proposed projects that|
|can span up to three years. Award amounts range from $75,000 to $1 million per year. |
|USDA's 60-day application period will run from Feb. 23 through April 24, 2015. Eligible|
|governments must complete the applications through Grants.gov. Funding is not directly |
|awarded by USDA to individuals or groups. Since the reauthorization of VPA-HIP in the |
|2014 Farm Bill, the program has been administered through the Natural Resources |
|Conservation Service (NRCS). USDA provides the funds directly to state and tribal |
|governments and they, in turn, disburse the funds to private landowners. |
| |
| |
|Funding priority will be given to applications that meet the following criteria: |
| |
| |
| · Increase private land acreage available for public use; |
| |
| |
| · Offer a public access program that gains widespread acceptance among landowners; |
| |
| |
| · Make special efforts to reach historically underserved or socially disadvantaged |
| landowners; |
| |
| |
| · Ensure appropriate wildlife habitat is located on enrolled land; |
| |
| |
| · Strengthen existing wildlife habitat improvement efforts; |
| |
| |
| · Follow NRCS conservation practice standards for VPA-HIP habitat improvement |
| activities; and; |
| |
| |
| · Inform the public about the locations of existing and new lands where public |
| access is available. |
| |
| |
|Today's announcement marks the second funding round. The first round of funding under |
|the NRCS-administered VPA-HIP occurred in fiscal year 2014. USDA provided $20 million |
|for access to approximately 2.5 million acres in nine states and one tribal nation and |
|to help state and tribal governments advance recreational opportunities through |
|wildlife habitat and public access improvements on private lands. More information on |
|the fiscal year 2014 grantees can be viewed at VPA-HIP 2014 Funding Grantees. |
| |
| |
|For more information, see the notice on Grants.gov or the NRCS VPA-HIP website. |
| |
| |
|The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past |
|five years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for |
|taxpayers. Since enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each |
|provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers |
|and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; |
|funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation |
|partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in |
|infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve quality of life in |
|rural America. For more information, visit http://www.usda.gov/farmbill. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Monday, February 23, 2015
News Clippings 2.23.15
State
Gautier invites public input on Brownfields grant project
Mississippi Press
Joanne Anderson
February 20, 2015 at 9:13 AM
GAUTIER, Mississippi --- The Gautier City Council will have a workshop
meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to kickoff plans for its Brownfield grant
program with the Environmental Protection Agency.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/02/gautier_invites_public_input_o.html
Aluminum mill officials announce Louisiana site
Commercial Dispatch
February 21, 2015 10:18:19 PM
BATON ROUGE, La. -- An aluminum company that based its offices in Columbus
last year will locate a proposed $2.4 billion aluminum manufacturing
complex in Louisiana.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=40221
Water and wastewater employees seek higher pay through training
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2015/02/water-and-wastewater-employees-seek-higher-pay-through-training/
EPA helping Richton Schools purchase new clean diesel bus
WDAM
RICHTON, MS (WDAM) -The Richton School District is one of 76 across the
country that are getting rebates from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency to replace older school buses with clean diesel models. The district
will receive $20,000 and will use it to purchase a new bus which costs
about $80,000.
http://www.wdam.com/story/28168463/epa-helping-richton-schools-purchase-new-clean-diesel-bus
Supers seek answers in DWSD controversy
Sea Coast Echo
By Dwayne Bremer
Feb 20, 2015, 19:46
Members of the Hancock County Board of Supervisors said this week that they
are concerned about the recent rash of resignations at the DWSD and what it
may mean for the community.
http://www.seacoastecho.com/article_8604.shtml#.VOsjX_mjOm5
Oil Spill
MDEQ will host gulf restoration meetings in South Mississippi
ASSOCIATED PRESS
JACKSON -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is hosting
meetings next week as part of an ongoing project to develop a comprehensive
plan for revitalizing the Gulf Coast after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil
Spill.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/21/6084080/mdeq-to-host-gulf-restoration.html
Study sheds more light on dolphin deaths
Pensacola News Journal
A new study is shedding more light on how the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill disaster played a role in the ongoing wave of dolphin deaths
in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/environment/2015/02/20/study-sheds-light-dolphin-deaths/23751335/
National
Obama's climate change wonk
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is in the forefront of President Obama's
climate change agenda, but don't call her a politician.
Politico
President Barack Obama's plan to combat greenhouse gases is entering its
final lap, and now, with White House climate change hawk John Podesta gone,
the baton has been handed to Gina McCarthy.
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/barack-obamas-gina-mccarthy-climate-change-wonk-115372.html
Critics say EPA played dual role in recycled tire controversy
San Francisco Chronicle
SACRAMENTO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has terminated its
longtime campaign to promote the use of recycled tires on artificial turf
fields and playgrounds, amid growing concern from critics in California and
elsewhere who fear the material poses a health risk to people.
http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Critics-say-EPA-played-dual-role-in-recycled-tire-6094382.php#/0
Fuel-hauling trains could derail at 10 a year
BY MATTHEW BROWN AND JOSH FUNK
Associated Press
BILLINGS, Mont. -- The federal government predicts that trains hauling
crude oil or ethanol will derail an average of 10 times a year over the
next two decades, causing more than $4 billion in damage and possibly
killing hundreds of people if an accident happens in a densely populated
part of the U.S.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/22/6085580_fuel-hauling-trains-could-derail.html?rh=1
New regs for Monday: College, nuclear energy, climate change
The Hill
Monday's edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for college
students from low-income families, nuclear energy and greenhouse gas
guidelines.
Nuclear: The Department of Energy is moving forward with new rules for
nuclear energy.
The department's National Nuclear Security Administration announced Friday
it is updating foreign atomic energy regulations for the first time since
1986.
Nuclear power comes from atomic energy.
The new rules go into effect in 30 days.
Pollution: The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is delaying new
guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions.
The CEQ issued a draft guidance in December advising federal agencies on
how they should consider greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of
climate change in their reviews. But it said Friday it is extending the
comment period.
The public now has until March 25 to comment.
http://thehill.com/regulation/233316-new-regs-for-monday-college-nuclear-energy-climate-change
Storage-Tank Safety Revisited
West Virginia considers scaling back tank-safety legislation passed during
2014 spill crisis
Wall Street Journal
After a chemical spill contaminated drinking water for 300,000 people in
West Virginia's capital last year, state lawmakers promptly passed
legislation aimed at preventing a similar disaster. Now, business groups
and environmentalists are fighting over a measure that would scale back
those changes.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/storage-tank-safety-revisited-1424650660
EPA: We'll toughen rules unless Vermont gets on lake cleanup
AP
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Reducing the amount of phosphorus in Lake Champlain could
be the responsibility of the federal government if a plan being reviewed by
the state falls through, a development that could mean big bills to upgrade
sewage treatment plants.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/AP570ecfdff4e24ea596b63fc89dba091c
Gautier invites public input on Brownfields grant project
Mississippi Press
Joanne Anderson
February 20, 2015 at 9:13 AM
GAUTIER, Mississippi --- The Gautier City Council will have a workshop
meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to kickoff plans for its Brownfield grant
program with the Environmental Protection Agency.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/02/gautier_invites_public_input_o.html
Aluminum mill officials announce Louisiana site
Commercial Dispatch
February 21, 2015 10:18:19 PM
BATON ROUGE, La. -- An aluminum company that based its offices in Columbus
last year will locate a proposed $2.4 billion aluminum manufacturing
complex in Louisiana.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=40221
Water and wastewater employees seek higher pay through training
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2015/02/water-and-wastewater-employees-seek-higher-pay-through-training/
EPA helping Richton Schools purchase new clean diesel bus
WDAM
RICHTON, MS (WDAM) -The Richton School District is one of 76 across the
country that are getting rebates from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency to replace older school buses with clean diesel models. The district
will receive $20,000 and will use it to purchase a new bus which costs
about $80,000.
http://www.wdam.com/story/28168463/epa-helping-richton-schools-purchase-new-clean-diesel-bus
Supers seek answers in DWSD controversy
Sea Coast Echo
By Dwayne Bremer
Feb 20, 2015, 19:46
Members of the Hancock County Board of Supervisors said this week that they
are concerned about the recent rash of resignations at the DWSD and what it
may mean for the community.
http://www.seacoastecho.com/article_8604.shtml#.VOsjX_mjOm5
Oil Spill
MDEQ will host gulf restoration meetings in South Mississippi
ASSOCIATED PRESS
JACKSON -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is hosting
meetings next week as part of an ongoing project to develop a comprehensive
plan for revitalizing the Gulf Coast after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil
Spill.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/21/6084080/mdeq-to-host-gulf-restoration.html
Study sheds more light on dolphin deaths
Pensacola News Journal
A new study is shedding more light on how the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill disaster played a role in the ongoing wave of dolphin deaths
in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/environment/2015/02/20/study-sheds-light-dolphin-deaths/23751335/
National
Obama's climate change wonk
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is in the forefront of President Obama's
climate change agenda, but don't call her a politician.
Politico
President Barack Obama's plan to combat greenhouse gases is entering its
final lap, and now, with White House climate change hawk John Podesta gone,
the baton has been handed to Gina McCarthy.
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/barack-obamas-gina-mccarthy-climate-change-wonk-115372.html
Critics say EPA played dual role in recycled tire controversy
San Francisco Chronicle
SACRAMENTO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has terminated its
longtime campaign to promote the use of recycled tires on artificial turf
fields and playgrounds, amid growing concern from critics in California and
elsewhere who fear the material poses a health risk to people.
http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Critics-say-EPA-played-dual-role-in-recycled-tire-6094382.php#/0
Fuel-hauling trains could derail at 10 a year
BY MATTHEW BROWN AND JOSH FUNK
Associated Press
BILLINGS, Mont. -- The federal government predicts that trains hauling
crude oil or ethanol will derail an average of 10 times a year over the
next two decades, causing more than $4 billion in damage and possibly
killing hundreds of people if an accident happens in a densely populated
part of the U.S.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/22/6085580_fuel-hauling-trains-could-derail.html?rh=1
New regs for Monday: College, nuclear energy, climate change
The Hill
Monday's edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for college
students from low-income families, nuclear energy and greenhouse gas
guidelines.
Nuclear: The Department of Energy is moving forward with new rules for
nuclear energy.
The department's National Nuclear Security Administration announced Friday
it is updating foreign atomic energy regulations for the first time since
1986.
Nuclear power comes from atomic energy.
The new rules go into effect in 30 days.
Pollution: The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is delaying new
guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions.
The CEQ issued a draft guidance in December advising federal agencies on
how they should consider greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of
climate change in their reviews. But it said Friday it is extending the
comment period.
The public now has until March 25 to comment.
http://thehill.com/regulation/233316-new-regs-for-monday-college-nuclear-energy-climate-change
Storage-Tank Safety Revisited
West Virginia considers scaling back tank-safety legislation passed during
2014 spill crisis
Wall Street Journal
After a chemical spill contaminated drinking water for 300,000 people in
West Virginia's capital last year, state lawmakers promptly passed
legislation aimed at preventing a similar disaster. Now, business groups
and environmentalists are fighting over a measure that would scale back
those changes.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/storage-tank-safety-revisited-1424650660
EPA: We'll toughen rules unless Vermont gets on lake cleanup
AP
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Reducing the amount of phosphorus in Lake Champlain could
be the responsibility of the federal government if a plan being reviewed by
the state falls through, a development that could mean big bills to upgrade
sewage treatment plants.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/AP570ecfdff4e24ea596b63fc89dba091c
Friday, February 20, 2015
News Clippings 2.20.15
State
Hazardous Waste Day Announced
Brookhaven Daily Leader
http://www.dailyleader.com/2015/02/19/hazardous-waste-day-announced/
(UPDATE) Aluminum maker, recruiter still at impasse on $1.2 billion project
MBJ
The impasse between American Specialty Alloys and Golden Triangle economic
development officials has not eased.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/02/19/aluminum-maker-recruiter-still-impasse-1-2-billion-project/
Barnett anglers could land more, bigger bass
Clarion Ledger
High numbers of shad combined Florida strain bass genetics could
produce more and larger bass in Barnett Reservoir in coming years.
The chain of events was noticed in 2013.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2015/02/18/barnett-anglers-land-bigger-bass/23647143/
Oil Spill
Federal judge rejects BP bid to lower $13.7 billion oil spill fine
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
February 19, 2015 at 3:15 PM
A federal judge in New Orleans has rejected BP's effort to cap its fines
from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill at $9.57 billion, nearly one-third
lower than the penalty federal prosecutors are seeking. The court has not
yet ruled how much the British oil giant will pay for the disaster.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2015/02/bp_loses_bid_to_cap_oil_spill.html#incart_river
BP oil spill: Judge rejects BP attempt to lessen fines for Gulf of Mexico
spill, $13.7 billion in civil fines await
The Associated Press
February 19, 2015 at 4:48 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- BP wants to lower the fine per barrel of oil spilled during
the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier felt differently.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/02/bp_oil_spill_judge_rejects_bp.html#incart_river
BP oil spill altered soil microbes on gulf beach
LA Times
Microbes in beach sand apparently gobbled up a lot of oil washed ashore
from the 2010 BP oil spill, but that assault altered the microbial
population, leaving it less functionally diverse, according to a new study.
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-gulf-oil-spill-microbes-20150217-story.html
Regional
Hypoxia Task Force Realizing It'll Take Time To Reach Goal Of Solving
Problem
WNAX
Mississippi River watershed states have fallen short of their goal of
reducing the size of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. That's
according to a report issued by the Mississippi River Watershed Nutrient
Task Force.
http://wnax.com/news/180081-hypoxia-task-force-realizing-itll-take-time-to-reach-goal-of-solving-problem/
National
U.S. EPA to propose biofuels standards this spring -official
Thu, Feb 19 2015
Reuters
By Chris Prentice
GRAPEVINE, Texas, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency plans to offer a proposal for Renewable Fuels Standards for 2014,
2015, and 2016 this spring, and will use actual production levels to
determine last year's mandated volumes, an official said on Thursday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/19/usa-biofuels-idUSL1N0VT1EZ20150219
U.S. officials to step up port inspections after illegal engines found
LA Times
Federal environmental and customs officials said Thursday they will step up
inspections at the nation's busiest port complex after discovering hundreds
of imported vehicles, engines and other equipment that failed to comply
with U.S. emissions standards.
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-customs-engines-20150220-story.html
As Oil Prices Tank, Firms Large And Small Feel The Pain
NPR
It's a painful time to be in the oil business. With the price of crude oil
about half what it was six months ago, companies large and small are being
pressured to cut costs.
http://www.npr.org/2015/02/19/387539924/as-oil-prices-tank-firms-large-and-small-feel-the-pain
Press releases
Governor Bryant Appoints Four to IHL Board
JACKSON—Gov. Phil Bryant today announced four appointees to the Board of
Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. The appointees are
Thomas Duff of Hattiesburg, Glenn McCullough Jr. of Tupelo, Dr. Alfred
McNair Jr. of Gautier and Eddie "Chip" Morgan Jr. of Leland.
Appointees must be confirmed by the Mississippi Senate. Each appointee will
serve a nine-year term beginning May 9, 2015.
"Mississippi's public universities serve a vital function in our state.
They educate students, pioneer research, serve as catalysts for economic
development and are anchors in their communities," Gov. Phil Bryant said.
"These appointees bring a wealth of experience and perspective to the
table, and I know they will help ensure the success of our higher education
system."
Chip Morgan will represent the 1st Supreme Court District and will succeed
Bob Owens. Thomas Duff and Dr. Alfred McNair will represent the 2nd Supreme
Court District. Duff will succeed Robin Robinson, and McNair will succeed
Ed Blakeslee. Glenn McCullough Jr. will represent the 3rd Supreme Court
District and will succeed Aubrey Patterson.
About the Appointees
Thomas Duff
Businessman Thomas Duff is a native of Columbia, Miss. He and his brother
Jim Duff co-own and operate Duff Capital Investors, which is comprised of
eight businesses employing 8,400 people. Seven of the eight companies are
headquartered in Mississippi and employ 4,300 people. The Duff companies
include Southern Tire Mart, KLLM Transport Services, Frozen Food Express,
T.K. Stanley Oilfield Services, Forest Products Transports, T.L. Wallace
Construction, Pine Belt Ford and Pine Belt Chevrolet. Duff holds a
bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of
Southern Mississippi.
"I'm very honored to receive this appointment by Governor Bryant to serve
on the IHL Board of Trustees, and I look forward to working closely with
each of our public universities to reach our shared goal of advancing our
state together," Duff said. "Mississippi's public universities are
incredibly important to the current and future success of our state, as
they are providing the research and instruction necessary to bring about
the jobs of tomorrow."
Dr. Alfred McNair
Dr. Alfred McNair is a gastroenterologist and owner of Digestive Health
Center, PA in Ocean Springs, Miss. He is the president and founder of
Mississippi Coast Physicians, LLC, of Mississippi Center for Autism and
Related Developmental Disabilities and of Savannah Pines, LLC. Dr. McNair
is chief of medical staff at Biloxi Regional Medical Center. He served as a
member of the Mississippi State Board of Health from 2002-2005 and as vice
chairman of the Board of Health from 2006-2009. He graduated summa cum
laude from Tougaloo College with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Dr.
McNair attended medical school at Columbia University, completed his
medical residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York and
completed gastroenterology fellowships at Columbia Presbyterian Medical
Center and Stanford University.
"A healthy Mississippi is an educated Mississippi," Dr. McNair said. "Our
manifest destiny as a state is intertwined with our ability to offer
affordable, accessible and academically challenging higher educational
opportunities to our citizens."
Glenn McCullough Jr.
Glenn McCullough Jr. is former chairman of Tennessee Valley Authority. He
was named to TVA board in 1999 by President Bill Clinton and was named
chairman of the board by President George W. Bush. Under his leadership,
TVA achieved record performance in power generation, environmental
improvement and community and economic development. McCullough was elected
mayor of Tupelo in 1997 and served until his appointment to TVA. He also
served as director of the Appalachian Regional Commission from 1993-1997 by
appointment from Gov. Kirk Fordice. He holds a bachelor's degree in
agricultural economics from Mississippi State University.
"I am thankful to Governor Bryant for this opportunity and look forward to
serving with my fellow board members to advance Mississippi through our
public universities," McCullough said.
Chip Morgan
Chip Morgan has served as executive vice president of Delta Council since
1982. In this role he has developed strategies and input from Delta Council
on national farm policy, state four-lane highway legislation, flood control
and the Delta Health Alliance. During Morgan's tenure, Delta Council has
expanded its role to include improvement of access to health care, funding
for higher education, promotion of adult literacy, confrontation of
critical teacher shortages in the Delta and development of a higher
education curriculum to train high school administrators in the Delta.
Morgan holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from the
University of Mississippi.
"I share the priority which Governor Bryant places on higher education in
Mississippi, and like him, I feel quite fortunate that my parents afforded
me the opportunity to go to a college in Mississippi," Morgan said.
"Further, I know it will be a rewarding and learning experience to join
with the caliber of people who currently serve on this board, as well as
the capable staff that supports the board."
###
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service Partnership Continues |
| Conservation Work Nationwide |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Under Secretary Announces 15 Restoration Projects and a $37 Million Investment |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|Audio |
| |
| |
|BOISE, Idaho, February 19, 2015 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
|announced today nearly $37 million in investments to mitigate wildfire threats to |
|landowners and communities. This is the second year of a partnership between the U.S. |
|Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help improve |
|the health and resiliency of forest ecosystems where public and private lands meet. |
| |
| |
|Joined by partners at an event in Idaho, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and |
|Environment Robert Bonnie unveiled the 15 Chiefs' Joint Landscape Restoration |
|Partnership projects for 2015. Located across the country from Washington to Vermont |
|and Arizona to Ohio, NRCS and Forest Service will invest $10 million in new projects to|
|improve conditions on public and private lands. One new project is in the Upper North |
|Fork region near Gibbonsville, Idaho designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic |
|wildfire to communities along a portion of the Highway 93 corridor. |
| |
| |
|"By leveraging the technical and financial resources of both agencies, this coordinated|
|effort is helping to restore lands across large landscapes regardless of whether they |
|are on public or private lands," Bonnie said. "Our successes from the 2014 projects |
|demonstrate that these partnerships make a difference on the ground and we are grateful|
|for the cooperation of several partners." |
| |
| |
|Bonnie noted that in some cases these new projects build on last year's efforts. The |
|partnership made investments in 2014 that will result in conservation improvements to |
|over 266,000 acres. NRCS and Forest Service will provide an additional $27 million to |
|continue work on 2014 projects. |
| |
| |
|In addition to NRCS and Forest Service investments, partners are contributing more than|
|$5 million in the 2015 projects over three years in financial, technical and in-kind |
|services. These 15 new projects, coupled with the 13 announced last year, will help |
|mitigate wildfire threats to communities and landowners, protect water quality and |
|supply, and improve wildlife habitat for at-risk species in high priority landscapes |
|across the US. |
| |
| |
|For example, USDA support in 2014 enabled Tim Fisher of the Oregon East Face of the |
|Elkhorn Mountains Partnership, to open up the tree canopy on 232 acres of private land |
|which will reduce the risk for wildfire, help with soil erosion, and allow the trees to|
|grow taller and stronger making them more marketable. |
| |
| |
|"Our agencies are being proactive to make sure conservation work flows seamlessly from |
|private to public lands, ensuring crucial wildfire and water concerns are addressed and|
|allowing people, like Fisher, to preserve their family lands," NRCS Chief Jason Weller |
|said. |
| |
| |
|"Strategic investments across landscapes help create resilient forests, grasslands and |
|watersheds while sustaining communities," said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. |
|"Treating lands to reduce wildfire threats is a smart investment that will protect vast|
|areas of land and potentially save of millions of taxpayer dollars." |
| |
| |
|2015 Projects include: |
| |
| |
|Idaho – Upper North Fork Project: Idaho's Upper North Fork is a great example of a |
|project that provides a big benefit for a small investment. Fires often spread from |
|private property onto public lands where they are difficult to control and become |
|wildfires. The fix is to stop fires at the point where they start, before they have a |
|chance to spread. However, many private landowners do not have the technical knowledge |
|or funds to treat hazardous fuels on their property. This project targets private lands|
|where fires have a high probability of starting and adjacent National Forest lands |
|where they will initially spread. Treating fuels in these areas is relatively |
|inexpensive and protects a vast area of public land. Implementing this simple solution |
|would be unlikely without coordination among the partners. |
| |
| |
|Hawaii – Koolau Forest Protection: The Koolau Mountain forests supply groundwater for |
|the Pearl Harbor Aquifer—used by over 40% of the population of the State of Hawaii. |
|Unfortunately, groundwater levels in the aquifer have declined by half since 1910. |
|Protecting the aquifer from further decline is vital for Hawaii's sustainability and |
|economy. The Koolau Mountains also has one of the highest densities of rare and |
|endangered species in the world including the beloved 'elepaio bird, the Hawaiian hoary|
|bat, tree snails, insects and plants – many of which exist nowhere else. By removing |
|invasive species and fencing out feral pigs, this project will help protect water |
|quality and supply for communities and agriculture and improve habitat quality for |
|at-risk species while allowing native Hawaiians to use the forest for their traditional|
|customs. |
| |
| |
|South Carolina – Indian Creek Woodland Savanna Restoration Initiative: In 2004, the |
|Indian Creek Woodland Savanna Restoration Initiative restored woodland savanna habitat |
|on 8,300 acres of the Sumter National Forest as well as 7,700 acres of private land. |
|Funding from this year's announcement will help accelerate woodland savanna |
|restoration, reduce wildfire risk and enhance water quality on 21,000 acres of public |
|land and 19,000 acres of private land. The restoration will also provide crucial |
|habitat for important and declining grassland birds, including Northern Bobwhite, |
|Loggerhead Shrike, Prairie Warbler and Bachman's Sparrow. |
| |
| |
|Summaries of all projects selected can be found here. |
| |
| |
|Today's announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The 2014 Farm Bill builds|
|on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving |
|meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, |
|USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical |
|legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening|
|risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; |
|establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new |
|markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community|
|facilities to help improve quality of life. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Hazardous Waste Day Announced
Brookhaven Daily Leader
http://www.dailyleader.com/2015/02/19/hazardous-waste-day-announced/
(UPDATE) Aluminum maker, recruiter still at impasse on $1.2 billion project
MBJ
The impasse between American Specialty Alloys and Golden Triangle economic
development officials has not eased.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/02/19/aluminum-maker-recruiter-still-impasse-1-2-billion-project/
Barnett anglers could land more, bigger bass
Clarion Ledger
High numbers of shad combined Florida strain bass genetics could
produce more and larger bass in Barnett Reservoir in coming years.
The chain of events was noticed in 2013.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2015/02/18/barnett-anglers-land-bigger-bass/23647143/
Oil Spill
Federal judge rejects BP bid to lower $13.7 billion oil spill fine
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
February 19, 2015 at 3:15 PM
A federal judge in New Orleans has rejected BP's effort to cap its fines
from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill at $9.57 billion, nearly one-third
lower than the penalty federal prosecutors are seeking. The court has not
yet ruled how much the British oil giant will pay for the disaster.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2015/02/bp_loses_bid_to_cap_oil_spill.html#incart_river
BP oil spill: Judge rejects BP attempt to lessen fines for Gulf of Mexico
spill, $13.7 billion in civil fines await
The Associated Press
February 19, 2015 at 4:48 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- BP wants to lower the fine per barrel of oil spilled during
the 2010 Deep Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier felt differently.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2015/02/bp_oil_spill_judge_rejects_bp.html#incart_river
BP oil spill altered soil microbes on gulf beach
LA Times
Microbes in beach sand apparently gobbled up a lot of oil washed ashore
from the 2010 BP oil spill, but that assault altered the microbial
population, leaving it less functionally diverse, according to a new study.
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-gulf-oil-spill-microbes-20150217-story.html
Regional
Hypoxia Task Force Realizing It'll Take Time To Reach Goal Of Solving
Problem
WNAX
Mississippi River watershed states have fallen short of their goal of
reducing the size of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. That's
according to a report issued by the Mississippi River Watershed Nutrient
Task Force.
http://wnax.com/news/180081-hypoxia-task-force-realizing-itll-take-time-to-reach-goal-of-solving-problem/
National
U.S. EPA to propose biofuels standards this spring -official
Thu, Feb 19 2015
Reuters
By Chris Prentice
GRAPEVINE, Texas, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency plans to offer a proposal for Renewable Fuels Standards for 2014,
2015, and 2016 this spring, and will use actual production levels to
determine last year's mandated volumes, an official said on Thursday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/19/usa-biofuels-idUSL1N0VT1EZ20150219
U.S. officials to step up port inspections after illegal engines found
LA Times
Federal environmental and customs officials said Thursday they will step up
inspections at the nation's busiest port complex after discovering hundreds
of imported vehicles, engines and other equipment that failed to comply
with U.S. emissions standards.
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-customs-engines-20150220-story.html
As Oil Prices Tank, Firms Large And Small Feel The Pain
NPR
It's a painful time to be in the oil business. With the price of crude oil
about half what it was six months ago, companies large and small are being
pressured to cut costs.
http://www.npr.org/2015/02/19/387539924/as-oil-prices-tank-firms-large-and-small-feel-the-pain
Press releases
Governor Bryant Appoints Four to IHL Board
JACKSON—Gov. Phil Bryant today announced four appointees to the Board of
Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. The appointees are
Thomas Duff of Hattiesburg, Glenn McCullough Jr. of Tupelo, Dr. Alfred
McNair Jr. of Gautier and Eddie "Chip" Morgan Jr. of Leland.
Appointees must be confirmed by the Mississippi Senate. Each appointee will
serve a nine-year term beginning May 9, 2015.
"Mississippi's public universities serve a vital function in our state.
They educate students, pioneer research, serve as catalysts for economic
development and are anchors in their communities," Gov. Phil Bryant said.
"These appointees bring a wealth of experience and perspective to the
table, and I know they will help ensure the success of our higher education
system."
Chip Morgan will represent the 1st Supreme Court District and will succeed
Bob Owens. Thomas Duff and Dr. Alfred McNair will represent the 2nd Supreme
Court District. Duff will succeed Robin Robinson, and McNair will succeed
Ed Blakeslee. Glenn McCullough Jr. will represent the 3rd Supreme Court
District and will succeed Aubrey Patterson.
About the Appointees
Thomas Duff
Businessman Thomas Duff is a native of Columbia, Miss. He and his brother
Jim Duff co-own and operate Duff Capital Investors, which is comprised of
eight businesses employing 8,400 people. Seven of the eight companies are
headquartered in Mississippi and employ 4,300 people. The Duff companies
include Southern Tire Mart, KLLM Transport Services, Frozen Food Express,
T.K. Stanley Oilfield Services, Forest Products Transports, T.L. Wallace
Construction, Pine Belt Ford and Pine Belt Chevrolet. Duff holds a
bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of
Southern Mississippi.
"I'm very honored to receive this appointment by Governor Bryant to serve
on the IHL Board of Trustees, and I look forward to working closely with
each of our public universities to reach our shared goal of advancing our
state together," Duff said. "Mississippi's public universities are
incredibly important to the current and future success of our state, as
they are providing the research and instruction necessary to bring about
the jobs of tomorrow."
Dr. Alfred McNair
Dr. Alfred McNair is a gastroenterologist and owner of Digestive Health
Center, PA in Ocean Springs, Miss. He is the president and founder of
Mississippi Coast Physicians, LLC, of Mississippi Center for Autism and
Related Developmental Disabilities and of Savannah Pines, LLC. Dr. McNair
is chief of medical staff at Biloxi Regional Medical Center. He served as a
member of the Mississippi State Board of Health from 2002-2005 and as vice
chairman of the Board of Health from 2006-2009. He graduated summa cum
laude from Tougaloo College with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Dr.
McNair attended medical school at Columbia University, completed his
medical residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York and
completed gastroenterology fellowships at Columbia Presbyterian Medical
Center and Stanford University.
"A healthy Mississippi is an educated Mississippi," Dr. McNair said. "Our
manifest destiny as a state is intertwined with our ability to offer
affordable, accessible and academically challenging higher educational
opportunities to our citizens."
Glenn McCullough Jr.
Glenn McCullough Jr. is former chairman of Tennessee Valley Authority. He
was named to TVA board in 1999 by President Bill Clinton and was named
chairman of the board by President George W. Bush. Under his leadership,
TVA achieved record performance in power generation, environmental
improvement and community and economic development. McCullough was elected
mayor of Tupelo in 1997 and served until his appointment to TVA. He also
served as director of the Appalachian Regional Commission from 1993-1997 by
appointment from Gov. Kirk Fordice. He holds a bachelor's degree in
agricultural economics from Mississippi State University.
"I am thankful to Governor Bryant for this opportunity and look forward to
serving with my fellow board members to advance Mississippi through our
public universities," McCullough said.
Chip Morgan
Chip Morgan has served as executive vice president of Delta Council since
1982. In this role he has developed strategies and input from Delta Council
on national farm policy, state four-lane highway legislation, flood control
and the Delta Health Alliance. During Morgan's tenure, Delta Council has
expanded its role to include improvement of access to health care, funding
for higher education, promotion of adult literacy, confrontation of
critical teacher shortages in the Delta and development of a higher
education curriculum to train high school administrators in the Delta.
Morgan holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from the
University of Mississippi.
"I share the priority which Governor Bryant places on higher education in
Mississippi, and like him, I feel quite fortunate that my parents afforded
me the opportunity to go to a college in Mississippi," Morgan said.
"Further, I know it will be a rewarding and learning experience to join
with the caliber of people who currently serve on this board, as well as
the capable staff that supports the board."
###
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service Partnership Continues |
| Conservation Work Nationwide |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Under Secretary Announces 15 Restoration Projects and a $37 Million Investment |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
|Audio |
| |
| |
|BOISE, Idaho, February 19, 2015 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
|announced today nearly $37 million in investments to mitigate wildfire threats to |
|landowners and communities. This is the second year of a partnership between the U.S. |
|Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help improve |
|the health and resiliency of forest ecosystems where public and private lands meet. |
| |
| |
|Joined by partners at an event in Idaho, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and |
|Environment Robert Bonnie unveiled the 15 Chiefs' Joint Landscape Restoration |
|Partnership projects for 2015. Located across the country from Washington to Vermont |
|and Arizona to Ohio, NRCS and Forest Service will invest $10 million in new projects to|
|improve conditions on public and private lands. One new project is in the Upper North |
|Fork region near Gibbonsville, Idaho designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic |
|wildfire to communities along a portion of the Highway 93 corridor. |
| |
| |
|"By leveraging the technical and financial resources of both agencies, this coordinated|
|effort is helping to restore lands across large landscapes regardless of whether they |
|are on public or private lands," Bonnie said. "Our successes from the 2014 projects |
|demonstrate that these partnerships make a difference on the ground and we are grateful|
|for the cooperation of several partners." |
| |
| |
|Bonnie noted that in some cases these new projects build on last year's efforts. The |
|partnership made investments in 2014 that will result in conservation improvements to |
|over 266,000 acres. NRCS and Forest Service will provide an additional $27 million to |
|continue work on 2014 projects. |
| |
| |
|In addition to NRCS and Forest Service investments, partners are contributing more than|
|$5 million in the 2015 projects over three years in financial, technical and in-kind |
|services. These 15 new projects, coupled with the 13 announced last year, will help |
|mitigate wildfire threats to communities and landowners, protect water quality and |
|supply, and improve wildlife habitat for at-risk species in high priority landscapes |
|across the US. |
| |
| |
|For example, USDA support in 2014 enabled Tim Fisher of the Oregon East Face of the |
|Elkhorn Mountains Partnership, to open up the tree canopy on 232 acres of private land |
|which will reduce the risk for wildfire, help with soil erosion, and allow the trees to|
|grow taller and stronger making them more marketable. |
| |
| |
|"Our agencies are being proactive to make sure conservation work flows seamlessly from |
|private to public lands, ensuring crucial wildfire and water concerns are addressed and|
|allowing people, like Fisher, to preserve their family lands," NRCS Chief Jason Weller |
|said. |
| |
| |
|"Strategic investments across landscapes help create resilient forests, grasslands and |
|watersheds while sustaining communities," said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. |
|"Treating lands to reduce wildfire threats is a smart investment that will protect vast|
|areas of land and potentially save of millions of taxpayer dollars." |
| |
| |
|2015 Projects include: |
| |
| |
|Idaho – Upper North Fork Project: Idaho's Upper North Fork is a great example of a |
|project that provides a big benefit for a small investment. Fires often spread from |
|private property onto public lands where they are difficult to control and become |
|wildfires. The fix is to stop fires at the point where they start, before they have a |
|chance to spread. However, many private landowners do not have the technical knowledge |
|or funds to treat hazardous fuels on their property. This project targets private lands|
|where fires have a high probability of starting and adjacent National Forest lands |
|where they will initially spread. Treating fuels in these areas is relatively |
|inexpensive and protects a vast area of public land. Implementing this simple solution |
|would be unlikely without coordination among the partners. |
| |
| |
|Hawaii – Koolau Forest Protection: The Koolau Mountain forests supply groundwater for |
|the Pearl Harbor Aquifer—used by over 40% of the population of the State of Hawaii. |
|Unfortunately, groundwater levels in the aquifer have declined by half since 1910. |
|Protecting the aquifer from further decline is vital for Hawaii's sustainability and |
|economy. The Koolau Mountains also has one of the highest densities of rare and |
|endangered species in the world including the beloved 'elepaio bird, the Hawaiian hoary|
|bat, tree snails, insects and plants – many of which exist nowhere else. By removing |
|invasive species and fencing out feral pigs, this project will help protect water |
|quality and supply for communities and agriculture and improve habitat quality for |
|at-risk species while allowing native Hawaiians to use the forest for their traditional|
|customs. |
| |
| |
|South Carolina – Indian Creek Woodland Savanna Restoration Initiative: In 2004, the |
|Indian Creek Woodland Savanna Restoration Initiative restored woodland savanna habitat |
|on 8,300 acres of the Sumter National Forest as well as 7,700 acres of private land. |
|Funding from this year's announcement will help accelerate woodland savanna |
|restoration, reduce wildfire risk and enhance water quality on 21,000 acres of public |
|land and 19,000 acres of private land. The restoration will also provide crucial |
|habitat for important and declining grassland birds, including Northern Bobwhite, |
|Loggerhead Shrike, Prairie Warbler and Bachman's Sparrow. |
| |
| |
|Summaries of all projects selected can be found here. |
| |
| |
|Today's announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The 2014 Farm Bill builds|
|on historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, while achieving |
|meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since enactment, |
|USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical |
|legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening|
|risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; |
|establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new |
|markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community|
|facilities to help improve quality of life. |
| |
| |
|# |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Thursday, February 19, 2015
News Clippings 2.19.15
State
Warnock: I will pay DEQ fine
Madison County Journal
By TYLER CLEVELAND
County Engineer Rudy Warnock has offered to pay a reduced fine to the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality on behalf of Madison County
due to a lack of oversight at the $2 million Sulphur Springs lake dig in
the northeastern part of the county.
http://onlinemadison.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=29833
Investor: Legislation would free up millions of barrels of Miss. oil
Clarion Ledger
Supporters of legislation that conferred common carrier status on
Mississippi's carbon dioxide shipping pipelines are hoping it is
revived before session's end.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2015/02/18/investor-legislation-free-millions-barrels-miss-oil/23610935/
Lumberton receives $2.5 million grant to improve water and sewage
WHLT
LUMBERTON, Miss. - To much delight, Lumberton has recently been approved
for a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
http://www.whlt.com/story/28143226/lumberton-receives-25-million-grant-to-improve-water-and-sewage
D'Iberville looks to sell $7.6 million property before next payment is due
WLOX
D'Iberville leaders are weighing their options on how to recoup millions of
dollars in taxpayer money after a failed aquarium development deal.
D'Iberville owns about eight acres of land at I-110 and I-10, and each
proposal under consideration could ease the city's debt burden.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28143559/diberville-looks-to-sell-76-million-property-before-next-payment-is-due
D'Iberville holds off selling Ocean Expo land
BY MARY PEREZ
Sun Herald
D'IBERVILLE -- The mayor and City Council tabled a development agreement
Wednesday with RAMCO Real Estate to buy the site that was to become Ocean
Expo.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/18/6078437_diberville-holds-off-selling-ocean.html?rh=1
Hancock County supervisor seeks investigation of Diamondhead Water & Sewer
District
BY WESLEY MULLER
Sun Herald
DIAMONDHEAD -- A Hancock County supervisor is calling for an investigation
into the Diamondhead Water & Sewer District following the abrupt
resignations of several commissioners and employees.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/18/6077504/county-supervisor-seeks-investigation.html
SCUA to look into septic disposal
Stone County Enterprise
By Jody O'Hara
Feb 12, 2015, 11:05
The Stone County Utility Authority is considering accepting waste from
those who pump out septic tanks, port-a-johns, restaurant grease traps and
other waste producing sources.
http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_2501.shtml
Questions plague aluminum mill
Commercial Dispatch
February 18, 2015 10:35:32 AM
Andrew Hazzard - ahazzard@cdispatch.com
A Golden Triangle economic development leader says he believes lawsuits
against a Columbus-based company that has proposed building a $1.2 billion
aluminum mill could be on the horizon.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=40143
Hayes Cooper students take lead in the future of recycling
Bolivar Commercial
by Anne Hart Preus
02.18.15 - 01:03 pm
Fifth-graders at Hayes Cooper are learning about recycling in a semester
long project called Recycling: Lighting the Fire.
http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/26476669/article-Hayes-Cooper-students-take-lead-in-the-future-of-recycling-?instance=homefirstleft
Prof. studies why Delta deer are biggest in state
Commercial Dispatch
February 18, 2015 10:35:27 AM
There are roughly 1.75 million deer in Mississippi and they bring an
estimated $1 billion economic impact to the state.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=40138
Oil Spill
RESTORE Advisory Committee approves criteria
Pensacola News Journal
The criteria for dispersing up to $150 million for a variety of
projects was set by an Escambia County advisory committee Wednesday
night. The next step is for the county board of commissioners to
make any changes to those guidelines and approve it.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2015/02/18/restore-advisory-committee-approves-criteria/23650117/
Regional
Criminal charges in spills to cost Duke Energy $100 million
Charlotte Observer
By Anne Blythe and Bruce Henderson
Criminal charges are expected to be brought against Duke Energy in the next
several days that will accuse the nation's largest electric utility of
multiple misdemeanor violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2015/02/18/5522737/ash-spill-could-cost-duke-energy.html#.VOXjWfmjOm4
National
State Department, EPA launch effort to monitor pollution globally
The Hill
The Obama administration announced on Wednesday the expansion of pollution
monitoring at diplomatic posts across the world.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/233125-state-department-epa-launch-effort-to-monitor-pollution-globally
Citi unveils $100B program to fight climate change
The Hill
Citigroup announced on Wednesday a commitment to lend, invest and
facilitate $100 billion over the next 10 years to fund activities that
mitigate the impacts of climate change.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/233067-citi-unveils-100b-program-to-fight-climate-change
New regs for Thursday: Drones, diving, lead emissions
The Hill
Lead: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is strengthening lead
emissions reporting requirements.
The EPA announced Wednesday it is lowering the threshold at which
communities are required to report lead emissions. However, the agency is
also eliminating a requirement for communities to report emissions from
wildfires.
The rule goes into effect immediately.
Water: The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing changes to
regulations from the Clean Water Act.
The proposed rules would change the pollutant analysis method that
industries and communities use to determine the components of wastewater.
The public has 60 days to comment.
http://thehill.com/regulation/233077-new-regs-for-thursday-drones-diving-lead-emissions
Opinion
Gulf dead zone must be reduced: Editorial
The Editorial Board
The Times-Picayune
February 18, 2015 at 9:49 AM
A new scientific study documented what had been apparent for some time:
Voluntary reductions in fertilizer use along the upper Mississippi River
aren't enough to significantly reduce the annual dead zone in the Gulf of
Mexico.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/02/gulf_dead_zone_must_be_reduced.html#incart_river
Salter: MDOT chief calls for contract reform scrutiny
Clarion Ledger
Is it any wonder the Mississippi Legislature is actively, earnestly
debating legislation that seeks to improve the process of how
government contracts are awarded to remove opportunities for corrupt
officials to engage in more looting of the public trust?
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/02/18/salter-mdot-chief-calls-contract-reform-scrutiny/23655293/
Press Releases
U.S. Department of State and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Launch
Partnership to Improve Air Quality Data
Air pollution is a serious and growing health threat worldwide, yet in many
areas, real-time air quality data is not available. We are pleased to
announce that today we signed a statement of intent to launch a new
partnership between our agencies and our U.S. diplomatic missions overseas.
This partnership will enhance the availability of outdoor air quality data
and expertise at a number of U.S. diplomatic missions. The U.S. Department
of State has a keen interest in providing sufficient air quality
information to U.S. citizens and government personnel overseas to empower
them to make informed health decisions.
One key feature of our partnership is expanding EPA's existing AirNow
system to include data from participating U.S. embassies overseas. AirNow
publicly shares air quality data,enabling viewers to reduce their exposure
to poor quality air.
In the United States, we are fortunate to have state and local officials
with considerable experience in developing and implementing programs to
monitor, improve, and meet air quality standards. A new fellowship program
will enable U.S. technical experts to visit participating diplomatic
missions to help transfer skills and build capacity for air quality
monitoring data analysis and maintenance. These visits will also include
the opportunity for training and exchanges with the host governments and
other participants.
This partnership reflects efficient use of government resources and a
whole-of-government approach to diplomacy. It not only helps us better
protect the health of our personnel overseas, but also contributes to the
global scientific community and President Obama's Open Government
Initiative. We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to
our two agencies continuing to build this program.
For more information, please visit state.gov/green.
U.S. Department of State & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Launch Innovative International Air Quality Program
WASHINGTON - Secretary of State John Kerry and EPA Administrator Gina
McCarthy signed a statement of intent today to launch a new air quality
partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). The effort will provide U.S. citizens and
government personnel with better information on air quality at select
embassies and consulates around the world to reduce health risks from
outdoor air pollution, and will offer greater opportunities for the United
States to create partnerships on air quality with other nations.
• Air pollution is a serious and growing health threat worldwide, yet in
many areas, real-time air quality data is not available. The Department of
State has a keen interest in providing sufficient air quality information
to U.S. citizens and government personnel overseas to enable informed
health decisions.
• The partnership will use EPA's existing domestic AirNow system, which is
an online platform that helps Americans understand how clean or polluted
their outdoor air is. To build on this successful network, the Department
of State plans to place air quality monitors at select American diplomatic
posts where continuous fine particle pollution (PM 2.5) data is currently
of limited availability, and to publicly share this data through EPA's
AirNow website.
• In the United States, state and local officials have considerable
experience in developing and implementing programs to monitor, improve, and
meet air quality standards. A new fellowship program will enable technical
experts here in the United States to visit our participating diplomatic
missions to help transfer skills and build capacity for air quality
monitoring data analysis and maintenance. These visits will also include
the opportunity for training and exchanges with the host governments and
other participants.
For further information, please contact Helaina Matza at MatzaHR@state.gov
or (202) 647-0716, or visit www.state.gov/green.
Warnock: I will pay DEQ fine
Madison County Journal
By TYLER CLEVELAND
County Engineer Rudy Warnock has offered to pay a reduced fine to the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality on behalf of Madison County
due to a lack of oversight at the $2 million Sulphur Springs lake dig in
the northeastern part of the county.
http://onlinemadison.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=29833
Investor: Legislation would free up millions of barrels of Miss. oil
Clarion Ledger
Supporters of legislation that conferred common carrier status on
Mississippi's carbon dioxide shipping pipelines are hoping it is
revived before session's end.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2015/02/18/investor-legislation-free-millions-barrels-miss-oil/23610935/
Lumberton receives $2.5 million grant to improve water and sewage
WHLT
LUMBERTON, Miss. - To much delight, Lumberton has recently been approved
for a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
http://www.whlt.com/story/28143226/lumberton-receives-25-million-grant-to-improve-water-and-sewage
D'Iberville looks to sell $7.6 million property before next payment is due
WLOX
D'Iberville leaders are weighing their options on how to recoup millions of
dollars in taxpayer money after a failed aquarium development deal.
D'Iberville owns about eight acres of land at I-110 and I-10, and each
proposal under consideration could ease the city's debt burden.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28143559/diberville-looks-to-sell-76-million-property-before-next-payment-is-due
D'Iberville holds off selling Ocean Expo land
BY MARY PEREZ
Sun Herald
D'IBERVILLE -- The mayor and City Council tabled a development agreement
Wednesday with RAMCO Real Estate to buy the site that was to become Ocean
Expo.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/18/6078437_diberville-holds-off-selling-ocean.html?rh=1
Hancock County supervisor seeks investigation of Diamondhead Water & Sewer
District
BY WESLEY MULLER
Sun Herald
DIAMONDHEAD -- A Hancock County supervisor is calling for an investigation
into the Diamondhead Water & Sewer District following the abrupt
resignations of several commissioners and employees.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/02/18/6077504/county-supervisor-seeks-investigation.html
SCUA to look into septic disposal
Stone County Enterprise
By Jody O'Hara
Feb 12, 2015, 11:05
The Stone County Utility Authority is considering accepting waste from
those who pump out septic tanks, port-a-johns, restaurant grease traps and
other waste producing sources.
http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_2501.shtml
Questions plague aluminum mill
Commercial Dispatch
February 18, 2015 10:35:32 AM
Andrew Hazzard - ahazzard@cdispatch.com
A Golden Triangle economic development leader says he believes lawsuits
against a Columbus-based company that has proposed building a $1.2 billion
aluminum mill could be on the horizon.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=40143
Hayes Cooper students take lead in the future of recycling
Bolivar Commercial
by Anne Hart Preus
02.18.15 - 01:03 pm
Fifth-graders at Hayes Cooper are learning about recycling in a semester
long project called Recycling: Lighting the Fire.
http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/26476669/article-Hayes-Cooper-students-take-lead-in-the-future-of-recycling-?instance=homefirstleft
Prof. studies why Delta deer are biggest in state
Commercial Dispatch
February 18, 2015 10:35:27 AM
There are roughly 1.75 million deer in Mississippi and they bring an
estimated $1 billion economic impact to the state.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=40138
Oil Spill
RESTORE Advisory Committee approves criteria
Pensacola News Journal
The criteria for dispersing up to $150 million for a variety of
projects was set by an Escambia County advisory committee Wednesday
night. The next step is for the county board of commissioners to
make any changes to those guidelines and approve it.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2015/02/18/restore-advisory-committee-approves-criteria/23650117/
Regional
Criminal charges in spills to cost Duke Energy $100 million
Charlotte Observer
By Anne Blythe and Bruce Henderson
Criminal charges are expected to be brought against Duke Energy in the next
several days that will accuse the nation's largest electric utility of
multiple misdemeanor violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2015/02/18/5522737/ash-spill-could-cost-duke-energy.html#.VOXjWfmjOm4
National
State Department, EPA launch effort to monitor pollution globally
The Hill
The Obama administration announced on Wednesday the expansion of pollution
monitoring at diplomatic posts across the world.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/233125-state-department-epa-launch-effort-to-monitor-pollution-globally
Citi unveils $100B program to fight climate change
The Hill
Citigroup announced on Wednesday a commitment to lend, invest and
facilitate $100 billion over the next 10 years to fund activities that
mitigate the impacts of climate change.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/233067-citi-unveils-100b-program-to-fight-climate-change
New regs for Thursday: Drones, diving, lead emissions
The Hill
Lead: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is strengthening lead
emissions reporting requirements.
The EPA announced Wednesday it is lowering the threshold at which
communities are required to report lead emissions. However, the agency is
also eliminating a requirement for communities to report emissions from
wildfires.
The rule goes into effect immediately.
Water: The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing changes to
regulations from the Clean Water Act.
The proposed rules would change the pollutant analysis method that
industries and communities use to determine the components of wastewater.
The public has 60 days to comment.
http://thehill.com/regulation/233077-new-regs-for-thursday-drones-diving-lead-emissions
Opinion
Gulf dead zone must be reduced: Editorial
The Editorial Board
The Times-Picayune
February 18, 2015 at 9:49 AM
A new scientific study documented what had been apparent for some time:
Voluntary reductions in fertilizer use along the upper Mississippi River
aren't enough to significantly reduce the annual dead zone in the Gulf of
Mexico.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/02/gulf_dead_zone_must_be_reduced.html#incart_river
Salter: MDOT chief calls for contract reform scrutiny
Clarion Ledger
Is it any wonder the Mississippi Legislature is actively, earnestly
debating legislation that seeks to improve the process of how
government contracts are awarded to remove opportunities for corrupt
officials to engage in more looting of the public trust?
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/02/18/salter-mdot-chief-calls-contract-reform-scrutiny/23655293/
Press Releases
U.S. Department of State and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Launch
Partnership to Improve Air Quality Data
Air pollution is a serious and growing health threat worldwide, yet in many
areas, real-time air quality data is not available. We are pleased to
announce that today we signed a statement of intent to launch a new
partnership between our agencies and our U.S. diplomatic missions overseas.
This partnership will enhance the availability of outdoor air quality data
and expertise at a number of U.S. diplomatic missions. The U.S. Department
of State has a keen interest in providing sufficient air quality
information to U.S. citizens and government personnel overseas to empower
them to make informed health decisions.
One key feature of our partnership is expanding EPA's existing AirNow
system to include data from participating U.S. embassies overseas. AirNow
publicly shares air quality data,enabling viewers to reduce their exposure
to poor quality air.
In the United States, we are fortunate to have state and local officials
with considerable experience in developing and implementing programs to
monitor, improve, and meet air quality standards. A new fellowship program
will enable U.S. technical experts to visit participating diplomatic
missions to help transfer skills and build capacity for air quality
monitoring data analysis and maintenance. These visits will also include
the opportunity for training and exchanges with the host governments and
other participants.
This partnership reflects efficient use of government resources and a
whole-of-government approach to diplomacy. It not only helps us better
protect the health of our personnel overseas, but also contributes to the
global scientific community and President Obama's Open Government
Initiative. We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to
our two agencies continuing to build this program.
For more information, please visit state.gov/green.
U.S. Department of State & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Launch Innovative International Air Quality Program
WASHINGTON - Secretary of State John Kerry and EPA Administrator Gina
McCarthy signed a statement of intent today to launch a new air quality
partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). The effort will provide U.S. citizens and
government personnel with better information on air quality at select
embassies and consulates around the world to reduce health risks from
outdoor air pollution, and will offer greater opportunities for the United
States to create partnerships on air quality with other nations.
• Air pollution is a serious and growing health threat worldwide, yet in
many areas, real-time air quality data is not available. The Department of
State has a keen interest in providing sufficient air quality information
to U.S. citizens and government personnel overseas to enable informed
health decisions.
• The partnership will use EPA's existing domestic AirNow system, which is
an online platform that helps Americans understand how clean or polluted
their outdoor air is. To build on this successful network, the Department
of State plans to place air quality monitors at select American diplomatic
posts where continuous fine particle pollution (PM 2.5) data is currently
of limited availability, and to publicly share this data through EPA's
AirNow website.
• In the United States, state and local officials have considerable
experience in developing and implementing programs to monitor, improve, and
meet air quality standards. A new fellowship program will enable technical
experts here in the United States to visit our participating diplomatic
missions to help transfer skills and build capacity for air quality
monitoring data analysis and maintenance. These visits will also include
the opportunity for training and exchanges with the host governments and
other participants.
For further information, please contact Helaina Matza at MatzaHR@state.gov
or (202) 647-0716, or visit www.state.gov/green.
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