State
Kemper-related electric rates too high, business orgs tell Mississippi
Supreme Court
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
March 30, 2015 at 10:14 AM
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Leaders of three of Mississippi's top business
organizations are asking the state Supreme Court to rehear a recent case
regarding electric rates designed to help pay for Mississippi Power's
Kemper County energy facility.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/business_leaders_ask_mississip.html#incart_river
Mississippi lakes highly-rated for crappie fishing
WLBT
Five Mississippi lakes have been listed as the top three fisheries to visit
for trophy-size crappie according to a recent survey by Josh Gowan with
Wired2fish.com.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/28647643/mississippi-lakes-highly-rated-for-crappie-fishing
Lawmakers argue over borrowing, pet projects
Clarion Ledger
Lawmakers put the finishing touches on a $6.27 billion state budget
Monday, with soaring Medicaid costs absorbing most of the state's
recent revenue growth.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/03/30/lawmakers-argue-borrowing-pet-projects/70700840/
Oil Spill
BP spill continues to threaten Gulf wildlife, National Wildlife Federation
says
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
March 30, 2015 at 1:06 PM
The BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill continues to pose a significant threat
to wildlife in and around the Gulf of Mexico, with at least 20 species
seeing continued problems five years after the accident, according to a
report released Monday (Mar. 30) by the National Wildlife Federation.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/bp_spill_posing_ongoing_threat.html#incart_most_shared-environment
Report: Wildlife Still Feeling Impact from BP Oil Spill
WUSF
Five years after the BP oil spill, the environmental impacts are still
being felt.
According to a report released Monday by the National Wildlife Federation,
animals such as dolphins were found dead at four times the historic rates
in 2014. The group believes the oil spill may be to blame.
http://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/report-wildlife-still-feeling-impact-bp-oil-spill
Report: Problems linger in Gulf of Mexico long after 2010 Deepwater Horizon
explosion
Baton Rouge Advocate
By AMY WOLD
Researchers expect it will take years, possibly even decades, to learn the
full ecological impact of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, but some
problem areas have already been identified and need to be addressed,
according to a report from the National Wildlife Federation.
http://theadvocate.com/news/11920358-123/report-problems-linger-in-gulf
BP says spill fine could bust its U.S. oil business
By Collin Eaton
Houston Chronicle
BP says even a fraction of the $13.7 billion in fines it could face for the
Deepwater Horizon disaster could threaten the solvency of its U.S. oil arm
and cut deep into spending that props up the Gulf Coast economy.
http://www.expressnews.com/business/eagle-ford-energy/article/BP-says-spill-fine-could-bust-its-U-S-oil-6168919.php
Regional
Throw out EPA greenhouse gas emissions rule because of missed deadline,
Atty. Gen. Buddy Caldwell demands
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
March 30, 2015 at 8:35 PM
The federal Environmental Protection Agency missed a key deadline in
adopting regulations requiring power plants to reduce emissions of carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and should be thrown out, Attorney Gen.
Buddy Caldwell said in a Wednesday (Mar. 25) letter to EPA Administrator
Gina McCarthy.
But EPA officials said in a statement Monday afternoon that the agency
isn't required to withdraw the rule because of a missed deadline.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/throw_out_epa_greenhouse_gas_e.html#incart_most_shared-environment
National
The EPA Defends the Clean Power Plan
Gina McCarthy says the plan is constitutional, necessary and respectful of
states
Wall Street Journal
The Environmental Protection Agency has rolled out an ambitious Clean Power
Plan to get states to cut their carbon emissions. And it has run up against
a chorus of critics charging the agency with vast overreach.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-epa-defends-the-clean-power-plan-1427770859
Emissions vs. Efficiency: The Battle Rages
The energy sector is being buffeted in many ways—but that's creating
opportunities
Wall Street Journal
Coal consumption globally—and all that pollution—just keeps growing, thanks
largely to economic expansion in China and India. But is there a safe role
for coal in the U.S. energy mix?
http://www.wsj.com/articles/emissions-vs-efficiency-the-battle-rages-1427770857
EPA's McCarthy: Keystone alone wouldn't be climate disaster
Politico
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said Monday that building the Keystone XL
pipeline alone would not be a disaster for the climate, as some opponents
of the project contend.
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/gina-mccarthy-keystone-climate-116514.html?hp=b1_c1
Energy's New Legal Threat: Earthquake Suits
In key test for industry, Oklahoma homeowner blames quake damages on
wastewater wells
Wall Street Journal
PRAGUE, Okla.—After an earthquake toppled her chimney, sending rocks
crashing through the roof and onto her legs, Sandra Ladra didn't blame an
act of God. She sued two energy companies, alleging they triggered the 2011
quake by injecting wastewater from drilling deep into the ground.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/frackings-new-legal-threat-earthquake-suits-1427736148
U.S. oil production jump hit 100-year high in 2014, report says
Jennifer Larino
The Times-Picayune
March 30, 2015 at 11:34 AM
U.S. oil production increased 1.2 million barrels per day in 2014, the
largest production spike in more than a century, according to new
government data.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/us_oil_production_century_spik.html#incart_river
New regs for Tuesday: Explosions, gasoline containers, efficiency
The Hill
Tuesday's edition of the Federal Register contains new explosion-protection
standards for offshore drilling units, child-resistant requirements for
portable gasoline containers and energy conservation standards for
residential boilers.
http://thehill.com/regulation/237350-new-regs-for-tuesday-explosions-gasoline-containers-efficiency
Press Releases
EPA Takes Action to Protect the Public from an Unregistered Pesticide
EPA issues order to stop the sale of BioStorm and NanoStrike
Contact Information: Dawn Harris Young, (404) 562-8421 (Direct), (404)
562-8400 (Main), harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
ATLANTA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an
order to Nano Defense Solutions, Inc. in Saint Augustine, Fla. to stop the
sale of "BioStorm" and "NanoStrike." BioStorm and NanoStrike are products
that are being marketed by the company for use in sites that include
hospitals and athletic facilities.
The company claims in advertisements and brochures that BioStorm and
NanoStrike use silver nanoparticle as an active ingredient and that these
products are highly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and
yeasts. The company also makes unsubstantiated efficacy claims that
"BioStorm and NanoStrike are designed to swiftly eradicate all
microorganisms and keep surfaces free of colonization for up to a full
year". Such public health claims can only be made on products that have
been properly tested and are registered with the EPA.
Under federal pesticide law, products that contain a pesticide as an active
ingredient or claim to kill or repel bacteria or germs are considered
pesticides and must be registered with the EPA prior to distribution or
sale. The Agency will not register a pesticide until it has been determined
that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the label
directions.
The EPA is committed to ensuring that products making public health claims
in the marketplace meet stringent effectiveness and safety standards, since
the public cannot readily determine with the naked eye the effectiveness
and safety of antimicrobial pesticides. Due to potential human health
implications if the pesticides are not effective or meet our safety
standards, the EPA continues to place a priority on actions regarding
non-complying pesticides.
For additional information about pesticides, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/.
EPA Seeks Input for Potential Rule Banning or Restricting the Use of
N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and Methylene Chloride for Use in Paint and
Coating Removal
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking
nominations from individuals who represent small businesses, small
governments, and small not-for-profit organizations to provide input to a
federal panel that will explore risk reduction in the use of NMP and
methylene chloride for paint or coating removal.
This panel will focus on the agency's development of a proposed rule to
reduce the risk of NMP and methylene chloride in paint and coating removal
as appropriate to reduce risks posed for their occupational or consumer
use.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to establish a Small
Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel for rules that may have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The SBAR panel
will include federal representatives from the Small Business Administration
(SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA.
Small Entity Representatives (SERs) will be selected by the SBAR Panel to
provide comments on behalf of their company, community, or organization and
advise the panel on the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small
entities. EPA is seeking self-nominations directly from the small entities
that may be subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such
as trade associations that exclusively or primarily represent potentially
regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.
SERs provide advice and recommendations to the panel. The SERs participate
in consultations with the SBAR Panel via telephone, webinar, or in person
in one or two meetings and are given an opportunity to submit written
comments to the Panel. Self-nominations may be submitted through the link
below and must be received by April 10, 2015.
Nominate yourself as a Small Entity Representative:
http://www.epa.gov/rfa/tsca-6a-paint-remover.html
More about the Small Business Advocacy Review process:
http://www.epa.gov/sbrefa/faq.htm
EPA Seeks Input for Potential Rule Banning or Restricting the Use of
Trichloroethylene (TCE) as a Commercial Degreaser, Spotting Agent in Dry
Cleaning, and in Certain Consumer Products
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking
nominations from individuals who represent small businesses, small
governments, and small not-for-profit organizations to provide input to a
federal panel that will explore risk reduction in the use of
Trichloroethylene (TCE).
This panel will focus on the agency's development of a proposed rule to
reduce the risks resulting from the use of TCE as a commercial degreaser,
as a spotting agent in dry cleaning, and in certain consumer products as
appropriate to reduce risks posed from its commercial and consumer use.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to establish a Small
Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel for rules that may have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The SBAR panel
will include federal representatives from the Small Business Administration
(SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA.
Small Entity Representatives (SERs) will be selected by the SBAR Panel to
provide comments on behalf of their company, community or organization and
advise the panel about the potential impacts of the proposed rule on small
entities. EPA is seeking self-nominations directly from the small entities
that may be subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such
as trade associations that exclusively or primarily represent potentially
regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs.
SERs provide advice and recommendations to the panel. The SERs participate
in consultations with the SBAR Panel via telephone, webinar, or in person
in one or two meetings and are given an opportunity to submit written
comments to the Panel. Self-nominations may be submitted through the link
below and must be received by April 10, 2015.
Nominate yourself as a Small Entity Representatives:
http://www.epa.gov/rfa/tsca-6a-tce.html
More about the Small Business Advocacy Review process:
http://www.epa.gov/sbrefa/faq.htm
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
News Clippings 3/30/15
State
USM marine research vessel arrives in Gulfport, to be used in oil spill
studies
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- A 135-foot research vessel to help study the effects of the BP
oil spill and other marine science issues reached its home port Sunday,
becoming the University of Southern Mississippi's newest and largest
research vessel.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/29/6149600_vessel-to-research-bp-oil-spill.html?rh=1
City to tackle budget issues at Tuesday workshop
Meridian Star
By Jeff Byrd
March 29, 2015 4:01 am
…In another matter, McGrevey spoke about the city's ongoing discussions
with the Environmental Protection Agency's allegations that the city has
violated the Clean Water Act.
http://www.meridianstar.com/news/city-to-tackle-budget-issues-at-tuesday-workshop/article_4d131be0-d5c9-11e4-aaf1-b3653966fc76.html
A closer look at Yarber's plan after declaring state of emergency
WLBT
JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) - A crumbling infrastructure sends the
City of Jackson into crisis mode. We're learning more about Mayor Tony
Yarber's plan after declaring a state of emergency.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/28635977/governor-bryant-comments-on-jacksons-state-of-emergency
Water Safety Prompted Yarber's Emergency Declaration
Jackson Free Press
The state of emergency Mayor Tony Yarber signed late Thursday will enable
the city to tap into money from state health and environmental agencies,
his office said today.
http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2015/mar/27/water-safety-prompted-yarbers-emergency-declaratio/
Lawmakers wrestle with bond bills, budget
Clarion Ledger
The Senate adopted a $200 million bond bill Sunday, and lawmakers
agreed on another $249 million bond issue that includes $6 million
for the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital expansion project.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/03/29/lawmakers-wrestle-bond-bills-budget/70649910/
Former DMR manager Shumate home from prison stint
Sun Herald
Former DMR manager Tina Shumate was released from prison after serving 25
percent of her sentence, her attorney confirmed Friday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/27/6146817/former-dmr-manager-shumate-home.html
Regional
High Mississippi, Atchafalaya rivers pouring sediment into Louisiana
wetlands, lakes, Gulf
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
March 27, 2015 at 10:41 PM
The rising Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers are carrying a wealth of
sediment -- clearly visible from space -- into coastal wetlands, Lake
Pontchartrain and other coastal lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico, according to
a Friday (Mar. 27) image from NASA's MODIS satellite.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/high_mississippi_atchafalaya_r.html#incart_river
Hurricanes spread lionfish, other invasive marine species, website reports
Benjamin Alexander-Bloch
The Times-Picayune
March 27, 2015 at 10:41 AM
Florida researchers studying lionfish, an invasive species more and more
common in Louisiana waters, have determined that changing ocean currents
during hurricanes can accelerate the distribution of such invasive marine
species, the website Azula.com reported.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/hurricanes_spread_lionfish_oth.html#incart_river
National
EPA Refines Interpretation of Its Authority as It Prepares to Defend Clean
Power Rule
Bloomberg
The Environmental Protection Agency has refined its interpretation of a
problematic amendment added to the Clean Air Act in 1990 as it prepares to
defend the proposed Clean Power Plan from a coal company lawsuit seeking to
block the rule before it is finalized.
http://www.bna.com/epa-refines-interpretation-n17179924623/
McConnell amendment slows EPA regulations
The Hill
The Senate passed an amendment Thursday night that makes it harder for the
White House to enforce environmental regulations.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/237169-senate-passes-mcconnells-epa-amendment
Obama admin to unveil climate pact contribution
The Hill
The United States plans to formally submit this week its plans to cut
greenhouse gases as part of a United Nations climate pact.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/237331-obama-admin-to-unveil-climate-pact-contribution
EPA: Nearly 700 chemicals used in fracking
The Hill
The Environment Protection Agency on Friday released a new analysis that
concludes almost 700 chemical additives are used in hydraulic fracturing
for oil and natural gas.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/237218-epa-finds-almost-700-chemicals-used-in-fracking
Wyoming sues to stop federal fracking rule
The Hill
Wyoming's attorney general is going to court to challenge the federal
Interior Department's right to regulate hydraulic fracturing for oil and
natural gas.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/237201-wyoming-sues-to-stop-federal-fracking-rule
Earth Hour 2015: World landmarks go dark to raise awareness on climate
change
Associated Press
March 29, 2015 at 11:37 AM
PARIS (AP) -- The Eiffel Tower went dark briefly to mark Earth Hour, the
campaign to raise awareness about climate change, months before the Paris
2015 climate summit.
The five-minute dark-out on Saturday night was a symbolic gesture in the
City of Light. Cities around the world also marked the event, with other
landmarks like the Kremlin and the Empire State Building going dark.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/earth_hour_2015_cities_around.html#incart_river
Environmental group seeks greater protection for USDA scientists
Reuters
An environmental activist group has filed a legal petition with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture seeking new rules that would enhance job
protection for government scientists whose research questions the safety of
farm chemicals.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/28/us-usda-petition-idUSKBN0MN2RI20150328
EPA official notes planes scan for farm violations
Surveillance revealed at Great Lakes summit concerning algae
Toledo Blade
CHICAGO — Note to corporate agriculture: The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency has inspectors in the sky looking down at you.
Susan Hedman, the EPA's Midwest regional administrator, said Friday at a
Great Lakes conference her agency has had inspectors in small planes the
last three years looking for manure-management violations by large
livestock operations known as concentrated animal feeding operations, or
CAFOs.
http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2015/03/28/EPA-official-notes-planes-scan-for-farm-violations.html
Boaters push Senate bill removing corn-ethanol mandate
Todd Masson
The Times-Picayune
March 27, 2015 at 9:54 AM
The nation's largest boating advocacy group has thrown its support behind a
U.S. Senate bill that would do away with the law requiring ethanol produced
from corn to be sold to American consumers.
http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2015/03/corn_ethanol_mandate_boaters.html
USM marine research vessel arrives in Gulfport, to be used in oil spill
studies
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- A 135-foot research vessel to help study the effects of the BP
oil spill and other marine science issues reached its home port Sunday,
becoming the University of Southern Mississippi's newest and largest
research vessel.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/29/6149600_vessel-to-research-bp-oil-spill.html?rh=1
City to tackle budget issues at Tuesday workshop
Meridian Star
By Jeff Byrd
March 29, 2015 4:01 am
…In another matter, McGrevey spoke about the city's ongoing discussions
with the Environmental Protection Agency's allegations that the city has
violated the Clean Water Act.
http://www.meridianstar.com/news/city-to-tackle-budget-issues-at-tuesday-workshop/article_4d131be0-d5c9-11e4-aaf1-b3653966fc76.html
A closer look at Yarber's plan after declaring state of emergency
WLBT
JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) - A crumbling infrastructure sends the
City of Jackson into crisis mode. We're learning more about Mayor Tony
Yarber's plan after declaring a state of emergency.
http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/28635977/governor-bryant-comments-on-jacksons-state-of-emergency
Water Safety Prompted Yarber's Emergency Declaration
Jackson Free Press
The state of emergency Mayor Tony Yarber signed late Thursday will enable
the city to tap into money from state health and environmental agencies,
his office said today.
http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2015/mar/27/water-safety-prompted-yarbers-emergency-declaratio/
Lawmakers wrestle with bond bills, budget
Clarion Ledger
The Senate adopted a $200 million bond bill Sunday, and lawmakers
agreed on another $249 million bond issue that includes $6 million
for the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital expansion project.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/03/29/lawmakers-wrestle-bond-bills-budget/70649910/
Former DMR manager Shumate home from prison stint
Sun Herald
Former DMR manager Tina Shumate was released from prison after serving 25
percent of her sentence, her attorney confirmed Friday.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/27/6146817/former-dmr-manager-shumate-home.html
Regional
High Mississippi, Atchafalaya rivers pouring sediment into Louisiana
wetlands, lakes, Gulf
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
March 27, 2015 at 10:41 PM
The rising Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers are carrying a wealth of
sediment -- clearly visible from space -- into coastal wetlands, Lake
Pontchartrain and other coastal lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico, according to
a Friday (Mar. 27) image from NASA's MODIS satellite.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/high_mississippi_atchafalaya_r.html#incart_river
Hurricanes spread lionfish, other invasive marine species, website reports
Benjamin Alexander-Bloch
The Times-Picayune
March 27, 2015 at 10:41 AM
Florida researchers studying lionfish, an invasive species more and more
common in Louisiana waters, have determined that changing ocean currents
during hurricanes can accelerate the distribution of such invasive marine
species, the website Azula.com reported.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/hurricanes_spread_lionfish_oth.html#incart_river
National
EPA Refines Interpretation of Its Authority as It Prepares to Defend Clean
Power Rule
Bloomberg
The Environmental Protection Agency has refined its interpretation of a
problematic amendment added to the Clean Air Act in 1990 as it prepares to
defend the proposed Clean Power Plan from a coal company lawsuit seeking to
block the rule before it is finalized.
http://www.bna.com/epa-refines-interpretation-n17179924623/
McConnell amendment slows EPA regulations
The Hill
The Senate passed an amendment Thursday night that makes it harder for the
White House to enforce environmental regulations.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/237169-senate-passes-mcconnells-epa-amendment
Obama admin to unveil climate pact contribution
The Hill
The United States plans to formally submit this week its plans to cut
greenhouse gases as part of a United Nations climate pact.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/237331-obama-admin-to-unveil-climate-pact-contribution
EPA: Nearly 700 chemicals used in fracking
The Hill
The Environment Protection Agency on Friday released a new analysis that
concludes almost 700 chemical additives are used in hydraulic fracturing
for oil and natural gas.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/237218-epa-finds-almost-700-chemicals-used-in-fracking
Wyoming sues to stop federal fracking rule
The Hill
Wyoming's attorney general is going to court to challenge the federal
Interior Department's right to regulate hydraulic fracturing for oil and
natural gas.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/237201-wyoming-sues-to-stop-federal-fracking-rule
Earth Hour 2015: World landmarks go dark to raise awareness on climate
change
Associated Press
March 29, 2015 at 11:37 AM
PARIS (AP) -- The Eiffel Tower went dark briefly to mark Earth Hour, the
campaign to raise awareness about climate change, months before the Paris
2015 climate summit.
The five-minute dark-out on Saturday night was a symbolic gesture in the
City of Light. Cities around the world also marked the event, with other
landmarks like the Kremlin and the Empire State Building going dark.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/earth_hour_2015_cities_around.html#incart_river
Environmental group seeks greater protection for USDA scientists
Reuters
An environmental activist group has filed a legal petition with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture seeking new rules that would enhance job
protection for government scientists whose research questions the safety of
farm chemicals.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/28/us-usda-petition-idUSKBN0MN2RI20150328
EPA official notes planes scan for farm violations
Surveillance revealed at Great Lakes summit concerning algae
Toledo Blade
CHICAGO — Note to corporate agriculture: The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency has inspectors in the sky looking down at you.
Susan Hedman, the EPA's Midwest regional administrator, said Friday at a
Great Lakes conference her agency has had inspectors in small planes the
last three years looking for manure-management violations by large
livestock operations known as concentrated animal feeding operations, or
CAFOs.
http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2015/03/28/EPA-official-notes-planes-scan-for-farm-violations.html
Boaters push Senate bill removing corn-ethanol mandate
Todd Masson
The Times-Picayune
March 27, 2015 at 9:54 AM
The nation's largest boating advocacy group has thrown its support behind a
U.S. Senate bill that would do away with the law requiring ethanol produced
from corn to be sold to American consumers.
http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2015/03/corn_ethanol_mandate_boaters.html
Friday, March 27, 2015
News Clippings 3/271/5
State
Jackson mayor declares infrastructure emergency
Clarion Ledger
Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber signed an emergency declaration for
Jackson's infrastructure system Thursday.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2015/03/26/jackson-state-of-emergency-for-infrastructure/70496284/
City Works to Ensure Recycling Efforts Continue
Brookhaven Daily Leader
http://www.dailyleader.com/2015/03/26/city-works-to-ensure-recycling-efforts-continue/
Anglers needed to help with fishing study
WLOX
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) -The Gulf Coast Research Lab has launched a new
program and is seeking the help of anglers all across South Mississippi.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28623996/anglers-needed-to-help-with-fishing-study
Suit against Kemper employee Brett Wingo is dismissed
MBJ
A case involving a key manager at Mississippi Power Co'.s Kemper County
clean-coal plant who had been taken to court in Birmingham by the utility's
parent has been dismissed.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/03/26/suit-against-kemper-employee-brett-wingo-is-dismissed/
Law to bolster utilities' economic development efforts gets mixed reactions
MBJ
A bill to bolster electric utilities' economic development efforts sailed
through the Mississippi Legislature and was signed by Gov. Phil Bryant on
March 13.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/03/26/law-to-bolster-utilities-economic-development-efforts-gets-mixed-reactions/
Regional
Gulf Coast not immune to tsunamis, say researchers
Al.com
Leigh Morgan
March 25, 2015 at 10:23 AM
It's Tsunami Preparedness Week, and National Weather Service offices
nationwide -- including those along the Gulf Coast -- are raising awareness
and offering safety tips in case one comes your way.
http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/gulf_coast_not_immune_to_tsuna.html
National
McConnell amendment slows EPA regulations
The Hill
The Senate passed an amendment Thursday night that makes it harder for the
White House to enforce environmental regulations.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/237169-senate-passes-mcconnells-epa-amendment
Kill coal regs, save the manatees? Republicans find new argument against
EPA rules
Fox News
Republicans may have found an unconventional argument against tightening
regulations on coal-fired power plants: think about the manatees.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/03/26/manatees-coal-fired-power-plants/
Oil trains put US on target for more derailments, warn experts
Fox News
Activists call them "bomb trains," and they're likely rolling through a
town near you.
The oil boom in North Dakota and Alberta, Canada, has put a record number
of train cars on tracks carrying hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude
oil each day all across the U.S. Several accidents have already happened,
and local leaders say it is a matter of time until more occur.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/27/oil-trains-put-us-on-target-for-more-derailments-warn-experts/?intcmp=latestnews
EPA: Cars exceeding emissions standards
The Hill
Cars sold in the United States exceeded federal 2013 greenhouse gas
emissions standards on average, the second year in a row cars have beaten
the standards, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/237046-epa-cars-exceeding-emissions-standards
Elizabeth Southerland: Providing the science to keep the nation's water
safe for drinking, swimming and fishing
Washington Post
As new chemicals enter the marketplace and often end up in the nation's
waterways, Elizabeth Southerland's office at the Environmental Protection
Agency produces the research that the agency uses to set water-pollution
limits.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal_government/elizabeth-southerland-providing-the-science-to-keep-the-nations-water-safe-for-drinking-swimming-and-fishing/2015/03/26/cdff9b84-d3c6-11e4-8fce-3941fc548f1c_story.html
Opinion
ELIZABETH BARBER: A triple bottom line benefit positions Mississippi as a
restoration leader
MBJ
With the five year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster around
the corner on April 20th, anyone who lives or works on the Mississippi Gulf
Coast knows that restoration work is just beginning. Ongoing research and
monitoring show that the Gulf continues to suffer impacts from the tragedy,
which in turn means that our coastal industries – seafood, recreational
fishing, tourism and more – are far from being fully recovered.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/03/26/elizabeth-barber-a-triple-bottom-line-benefit-positions-mississippi-as-a-restoration-leader/
Press Releases
Mayor Tony T. Yarber Declares State of Emergency for City of Jackson
Infrastructure
Mayor Tony T. Yarber on Thursday, March 26, signed an emergency declaration
for the City of Jackson's infrastructure system.
The Mayor has met with Gov. Phil Bryant and representatives of the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, who all support the move.
The city's aged infrastructure system has been plagued by problems for
decades, but it has reached a crisis point following severe winter weather.
"The city of Jackson's drinking water quality is among the highest in
state. But the issue is our failing infrastructure. I'm declaring this
emergency to protect our city's water quality," Yarber said. "We are very
serious about the quality of life we desire for residents in Jackson. With
this declaration, we hope to gain access to federal funds that can expedite
infrastructure repairs in this city. We have a plan to fix this."
In recent weeks, there have been numerous water main breaks and a growing
pothole problem. The water main breaks can cause extensive damage to public
and private property. The breaks have the potential to lead to sewer
problems and wastewater back-ups, which are obvious threats to public
health.
EPA Report: Automakers Surpassing Light-Duty Greenhouse Gas Standards
Manufacturers competing to deliver most fuel-efficient vehicles
WASHINGTON – For the second consecutive model year, the automotive industry
outperformed the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards by a
wide margin. Overall industry compliance in model year 2013 was 12
grams/mile – or 1.4 miles per gallon – better than required by the 2013
standard.
These were among the top findings released today in the Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA's) second annual Manufacturers' Performance
Report. The report presents detailed information about how individual firms
are complying with GHG emissions standards for cars and light trucks.
"These findings are a terrific early success story for President Obama's
historic effort to reduce the pollution that contributes to climate
change," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Automakers are racing to
meet our goals. The American auto industry has never been stronger, we're
creating jobs here in the U.S., selling cleaner cars here and overseas, and
consumers are really benefitting from the innovations spurred by these
standards."
The report found:
· Overall industry compliance in model year 2013 was 12 grams/mile
better than required by the 2013 standard. This marks the second
consecutive model year of industry outperforming the standards by a
wide margin.
· The majority of manufacturers (representing more than 99% of sales)
met both the 2012 and 2013 standards. The remaining manufacturers
have several more years to come into compliance.
· Automakers are using the optional flexibilities built into the
standards such as improved air conditioning systems and the use of
fleet averaging. These flexibilities continue to increase consumer
choice, spur technology innovation and decrease compliance costs all
while providing manufacturers with options on how and when to make
reductions.
According to EPA's most recent CO2 Emissions and Fuel Economy Trends
Report, model year 2013 vehicles achieved an all-time record average of
24.1 miles per gallon (mpg) – a 0.5 mpg increase over the previous year and
an increase of nearly 5 mpg since 2004. Average carbon dioxide emissions
from cars and light trucks are also at a record low. Fuel economy has
increased in eight of the last nine years. There are more than three times
as many 30 mpg vehicles than just five years ago, and fuel economy for SUVs
has been increasing faster than for any other vehicle type.
EPA's GHG emissions standards cover light-duty vehicles from model year
2012 to 2025. The standards are projected to save 12 billion barrels of
oil, and cut 6 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases over the lifetimes
of vehicles sold in these years. The standards are also projected to save
consumers who purchase a new MY 2025 vehicle more than $8,000 in fuel costs
over that vehicle's lifetime.
More information on the Manufacturers' Performance Report:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/ghg-report.htm
More information on Light Duty Vehicle Standards:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regs-light-duty.htm
More information on greenhouse gases and Fuel Economy Trends:
http://epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm
Jackson mayor declares infrastructure emergency
Clarion Ledger
Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber signed an emergency declaration for
Jackson's infrastructure system Thursday.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2015/03/26/jackson-state-of-emergency-for-infrastructure/70496284/
City Works to Ensure Recycling Efforts Continue
Brookhaven Daily Leader
http://www.dailyleader.com/2015/03/26/city-works-to-ensure-recycling-efforts-continue/
Anglers needed to help with fishing study
WLOX
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) -The Gulf Coast Research Lab has launched a new
program and is seeking the help of anglers all across South Mississippi.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28623996/anglers-needed-to-help-with-fishing-study
Suit against Kemper employee Brett Wingo is dismissed
MBJ
A case involving a key manager at Mississippi Power Co'.s Kemper County
clean-coal plant who had been taken to court in Birmingham by the utility's
parent has been dismissed.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/03/26/suit-against-kemper-employee-brett-wingo-is-dismissed/
Law to bolster utilities' economic development efforts gets mixed reactions
MBJ
A bill to bolster electric utilities' economic development efforts sailed
through the Mississippi Legislature and was signed by Gov. Phil Bryant on
March 13.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/03/26/law-to-bolster-utilities-economic-development-efforts-gets-mixed-reactions/
Regional
Gulf Coast not immune to tsunamis, say researchers
Al.com
Leigh Morgan
March 25, 2015 at 10:23 AM
It's Tsunami Preparedness Week, and National Weather Service offices
nationwide -- including those along the Gulf Coast -- are raising awareness
and offering safety tips in case one comes your way.
http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/03/gulf_coast_not_immune_to_tsuna.html
National
McConnell amendment slows EPA regulations
The Hill
The Senate passed an amendment Thursday night that makes it harder for the
White House to enforce environmental regulations.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/237169-senate-passes-mcconnells-epa-amendment
Kill coal regs, save the manatees? Republicans find new argument against
EPA rules
Fox News
Republicans may have found an unconventional argument against tightening
regulations on coal-fired power plants: think about the manatees.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/03/26/manatees-coal-fired-power-plants/
Oil trains put US on target for more derailments, warn experts
Fox News
Activists call them "bomb trains," and they're likely rolling through a
town near you.
The oil boom in North Dakota and Alberta, Canada, has put a record number
of train cars on tracks carrying hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude
oil each day all across the U.S. Several accidents have already happened,
and local leaders say it is a matter of time until more occur.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/27/oil-trains-put-us-on-target-for-more-derailments-warn-experts/?intcmp=latestnews
EPA: Cars exceeding emissions standards
The Hill
Cars sold in the United States exceeded federal 2013 greenhouse gas
emissions standards on average, the second year in a row cars have beaten
the standards, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/237046-epa-cars-exceeding-emissions-standards
Elizabeth Southerland: Providing the science to keep the nation's water
safe for drinking, swimming and fishing
Washington Post
As new chemicals enter the marketplace and often end up in the nation's
waterways, Elizabeth Southerland's office at the Environmental Protection
Agency produces the research that the agency uses to set water-pollution
limits.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal_government/elizabeth-southerland-providing-the-science-to-keep-the-nations-water-safe-for-drinking-swimming-and-fishing/2015/03/26/cdff9b84-d3c6-11e4-8fce-3941fc548f1c_story.html
Opinion
ELIZABETH BARBER: A triple bottom line benefit positions Mississippi as a
restoration leader
MBJ
With the five year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster around
the corner on April 20th, anyone who lives or works on the Mississippi Gulf
Coast knows that restoration work is just beginning. Ongoing research and
monitoring show that the Gulf continues to suffer impacts from the tragedy,
which in turn means that our coastal industries – seafood, recreational
fishing, tourism and more – are far from being fully recovered.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2015/03/26/elizabeth-barber-a-triple-bottom-line-benefit-positions-mississippi-as-a-restoration-leader/
Press Releases
Mayor Tony T. Yarber Declares State of Emergency for City of Jackson
Infrastructure
Mayor Tony T. Yarber on Thursday, March 26, signed an emergency declaration
for the City of Jackson's infrastructure system.
The Mayor has met with Gov. Phil Bryant and representatives of the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, who all support the move.
The city's aged infrastructure system has been plagued by problems for
decades, but it has reached a crisis point following severe winter weather.
"The city of Jackson's drinking water quality is among the highest in
state. But the issue is our failing infrastructure. I'm declaring this
emergency to protect our city's water quality," Yarber said. "We are very
serious about the quality of life we desire for residents in Jackson. With
this declaration, we hope to gain access to federal funds that can expedite
infrastructure repairs in this city. We have a plan to fix this."
In recent weeks, there have been numerous water main breaks and a growing
pothole problem. The water main breaks can cause extensive damage to public
and private property. The breaks have the potential to lead to sewer
problems and wastewater back-ups, which are obvious threats to public
health.
EPA Report: Automakers Surpassing Light-Duty Greenhouse Gas Standards
Manufacturers competing to deliver most fuel-efficient vehicles
WASHINGTON – For the second consecutive model year, the automotive industry
outperformed the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards by a
wide margin. Overall industry compliance in model year 2013 was 12
grams/mile – or 1.4 miles per gallon – better than required by the 2013
standard.
These were among the top findings released today in the Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA's) second annual Manufacturers' Performance
Report. The report presents detailed information about how individual firms
are complying with GHG emissions standards for cars and light trucks.
"These findings are a terrific early success story for President Obama's
historic effort to reduce the pollution that contributes to climate
change," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Automakers are racing to
meet our goals. The American auto industry has never been stronger, we're
creating jobs here in the U.S., selling cleaner cars here and overseas, and
consumers are really benefitting from the innovations spurred by these
standards."
The report found:
· Overall industry compliance in model year 2013 was 12 grams/mile
better than required by the 2013 standard. This marks the second
consecutive model year of industry outperforming the standards by a
wide margin.
· The majority of manufacturers (representing more than 99% of sales)
met both the 2012 and 2013 standards. The remaining manufacturers
have several more years to come into compliance.
· Automakers are using the optional flexibilities built into the
standards such as improved air conditioning systems and the use of
fleet averaging. These flexibilities continue to increase consumer
choice, spur technology innovation and decrease compliance costs all
while providing manufacturers with options on how and when to make
reductions.
According to EPA's most recent CO2 Emissions and Fuel Economy Trends
Report, model year 2013 vehicles achieved an all-time record average of
24.1 miles per gallon (mpg) – a 0.5 mpg increase over the previous year and
an increase of nearly 5 mpg since 2004. Average carbon dioxide emissions
from cars and light trucks are also at a record low. Fuel economy has
increased in eight of the last nine years. There are more than three times
as many 30 mpg vehicles than just five years ago, and fuel economy for SUVs
has been increasing faster than for any other vehicle type.
EPA's GHG emissions standards cover light-duty vehicles from model year
2012 to 2025. The standards are projected to save 12 billion barrels of
oil, and cut 6 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases over the lifetimes
of vehicles sold in these years. The standards are also projected to save
consumers who purchase a new MY 2025 vehicle more than $8,000 in fuel costs
over that vehicle's lifetime.
More information on the Manufacturers' Performance Report:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/ghg-report.htm
More information on Light Duty Vehicle Standards:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regs-light-duty.htm
More information on greenhouse gases and Fuel Economy Trends:
http://epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm
Thursday, March 26, 2015
News Clippings 3.26.15
State
MDEQ director claims immunity in Mississippi Silicon lawsuit
WTVA
OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) -- The executive director of the Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality and the Mississippi Environmental
Quality Permit Board says he should be dismissed from a lawsuit trying to
stop construction of a silicon plant in Tishomingo County.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/MDEQ-director-claims-immunity-in-Mississippi/gDu5UMgB10KzNp8RICxV2g.cspx
Sand beach crews getting set for busy summer season
WLOX
HARRISON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -They're getting 26 miles of sand ready for the
busy summer season. Harrison County sand beach crews are planting dune
grass and installing new fences.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28615062/sand-beach-crews-getting-set-for-busy-summer-season
Harrison County has state's fourth biggest growth spurt since 2010
Sun Herald
New county and metro-area population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau
show South Mississippi has grown in the last four years, in some areas
significantly.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/25/6143484_harrison-county-has-states-fourth.html?rh=1
Oil Spill
Oil spill money targeted for La. colleges, under proposal
AP
Higher education leaders are eyeing Gulf oil spill recovery money as a
possible long-term financing source for Louisiana's college campuses.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Oil-spill-money-targeted-for-La-colleges-under-6160020.php
Regional
Science advisers say design of 4 river diversions can move forward
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
March 26, 2015 at 6:28 AM
A scientific advisory panel gave the green light Wednesday (March 25) to
the state's continued planning for construction of four major sediment
diversions on the lower Mississippi River, although it raised questions
about state's ongoing socioeconomic analysis of the diversions' potential
effects.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/science_advisors_say_design_of.html#incart_river
National
Supreme Court Seems Split on What Is 'Appropriate' in Setting Clean Air
Costs
NY Times
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed closely
divided over the fate of one of the Obama administration's
most ambitious environmental initiatives.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/us/division-seen-in-supreme-court-on-pollution-limits.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Justices appear split on EPA plan for cutting toxic energy-plant emissions
Washington Post
The Obama administration's plan to limit emissions of mercury and other
hazardous pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants encountered a
wall of skepticism from the Supreme Court's most conservative justices
Wednesday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/justices-appear-split-on-epa-study-of-cutting-toxic-energy-plant-emissions/2015/03/25/0b290516-d324-11e4-a62f-ee745911a4ff_story.html
Supreme Court Appears Divided on EPA Rules to Limit Mercury Emissions
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court appeared split on Wednesday over whether the
Environmental Protection Agency erred when it adopted first-ever
regulations requiring power plants to cut emissions of mercury and other
toxic air pollutants.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/supreme-court-appears-divided-on-epa-rules-to-limit-mercury-emissions-1427305800
House panel passes GOP coal ash bill
The Hill
A subpanel of the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed a
Republican-backed bill aimed at adding certainty to the Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) coal ash disposal rule.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236916-house-panel-passes-gop-coal-ash-bill
House panel subpoenas EPA chief in battle over missing texts
Fox News
The chairman of the House science committee announced Wednesday he is
issuing a subpoena to the Environmental Protection Agency for information
related to the potential deletion of roughly 5,000 text messages from
Administrator Gina McCarthy's phone.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/03/25/gop-house-subpoenas-epa-for-records-on-chief-mccarthy-emails-deleted-texts/?intcmp=latestnews
Opinion
Surprise at the Supreme Court
Justice Breyer pulls a fast one to rescue the EPA's mercury rule.
Wall Street Journal
The Supreme Court heard another challenge to the Environmental Protection
Agency's abusive anticarbon agenda on Wednesday, but oral arguments
featured a surprise defense that no one had heard prior to the questioning.
The Justices shouldn't fall for this immaculate legal misconception.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/surprise-at-the-supreme-court-1427325513
Press Releases
Washington, D.C. Leads Nation on EPA's Energy Star Top Cities List
DC has the most Energy Star buildings of any city in the U.S.; followed by
Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released
its seventh-annual list of the top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas with the most
Energy Star certified buildings in 2014. This year, Washington, D.C.,
debuts in the top spot with 480 buildings. EPA's Energy Star Top Cities
list shows how cities across America, with help from Energy Star, are
embracing energy efficiency as an effective way to save money and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change.
"Cities across the country are saving billions every year through
partnering with our Energy Star program and increasing energy efficiency,
while doing their part to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions that fuel
climate change," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "This is the type of
leadership we need from city leaders and building owners who are
demonstrating that increasing energy efficiency strengthens local
economies, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps preserve a healthy
planet for future generations."
More than 25,000 buildings across America have earned EPA's Energy Star
certification since 1999. The buildings have saved nearly $3.4 billion on
utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions
from the annual electricity use of nearly 2.4 million homes.
Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 17 percent of U.S.
greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year.
Energy Star certified buildings are verified to perform better than 75
percent of similar buildings nationwide, and they use an average of 35
percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer emissions than
typical buildings. Many common building types can earn the Energy Star,
including office buildings, K-12 schools, hotels, and retail stores.
The program starts with tools to help building owners or managers
understand how their buildings are currently performing and what to aim for
in terms of improvements. A typical upgrade includes the following: tuning
up the building systems; reducing lighting loads; reducing supplemental
loads (e.g., equipment, wasteful behaviors, leaky windows, poor insulation,
etc.); improving air distribution systems; and making upgrades to heating
and cooling equipment. The stages, when followed in order, account for the
interactions between different building systems. For example, replacing
heat-producing incandescent bulbs with cool CFLs or LEDs will mean that a
building's air conditioner won't have to work as hard in the summer months,
so a building may be able to downsize its cooling system based on the new
lighting's heat output. Another benefit of the five-stage approach is that
it ensures the lowest-cost measures are tackled first. As organizations
progress through the five stages, they can roll their cost savings into
larger and larger investments, culminating in the last, most expensive
stage. By the time organizations start making upgrades to heating and
cooling equipment, they typically have already amassed substantial cost
savings from previous lower-cost improvements.
To create the annual top cities list, EPA tallies the number of Energy Star
certified buildings for the end of the previous year within each
metropolitan area, as defined by the U.S. Census. These areas include the
city itself as well as surrounding towns and suburbs.
The top 25 cities are:
Rank Metro Area 2014 Building Count
1 Washington, DC 480
2 Los Angeles 475
3 Atlanta 328
4 New York 299
5 San Francisco 292
6 Chicago 251
7 Dallas-Fort Worth 248
8 Houston 235
9 Denver 195
10 Boston 176
11 Phoenix 165
12 Philadelphia 158
13 Seattle 149
14 Riverside, Calif. 127
15 Minneapolis-St. Paul 122
16 Charlotte 95
17 San Diego 92
18 Miami 90
19 Sacramento 89
20 Virginia Beach 81
21 Detroit 80
22 San Jose 70
23 Austin 65
23 Portland, Ore. 65
24 Louisville 59
24 Tampa 59
25 Salt Lake City 55
Energy Star is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For more than 20
years, people across America have looked to EPA's Energy Star program for
guidance on how to save energy, save money, and protect the environment.
Behind each blue label is a product, building, or home that is
independently certified to use less energy and cause fewer of the emissions
that contribute to climate change. Today, Energy Star is the most widely
recognized symbol for energy efficiency in the world, helping families and
businesses save $300 billion on utility bills, while reducing greenhouse
gas emissions by two billion metric tons since 1992. Join the millions who
are already making a difference at energystar.gov.
More on the 2015 top cities: www.energystar.gov/topcities
Search for Energy Star certified buildings: www.energystar.gov/buildinglist
More about earning the Energy Star label for commercial buildings:
www.energystar.gov/buildingcertification
MDEQ director claims immunity in Mississippi Silicon lawsuit
WTVA
OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) -- The executive director of the Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality and the Mississippi Environmental
Quality Permit Board says he should be dismissed from a lawsuit trying to
stop construction of a silicon plant in Tishomingo County.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/MDEQ-director-claims-immunity-in-Mississippi/gDu5UMgB10KzNp8RICxV2g.cspx
Sand beach crews getting set for busy summer season
WLOX
HARRISON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -They're getting 26 miles of sand ready for the
busy summer season. Harrison County sand beach crews are planting dune
grass and installing new fences.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28615062/sand-beach-crews-getting-set-for-busy-summer-season
Harrison County has state's fourth biggest growth spurt since 2010
Sun Herald
New county and metro-area population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau
show South Mississippi has grown in the last four years, in some areas
significantly.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/25/6143484_harrison-county-has-states-fourth.html?rh=1
Oil Spill
Oil spill money targeted for La. colleges, under proposal
AP
Higher education leaders are eyeing Gulf oil spill recovery money as a
possible long-term financing source for Louisiana's college campuses.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Oil-spill-money-targeted-for-La-colleges-under-6160020.php
Regional
Science advisers say design of 4 river diversions can move forward
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
March 26, 2015 at 6:28 AM
A scientific advisory panel gave the green light Wednesday (March 25) to
the state's continued planning for construction of four major sediment
diversions on the lower Mississippi River, although it raised questions
about state's ongoing socioeconomic analysis of the diversions' potential
effects.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/science_advisors_say_design_of.html#incart_river
National
Supreme Court Seems Split on What Is 'Appropriate' in Setting Clean Air
Costs
NY Times
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Wednesday seemed closely
divided over the fate of one of the Obama administration's
most ambitious environmental initiatives.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/us/division-seen-in-supreme-court-on-pollution-limits.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Justices appear split on EPA plan for cutting toxic energy-plant emissions
Washington Post
The Obama administration's plan to limit emissions of mercury and other
hazardous pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants encountered a
wall of skepticism from the Supreme Court's most conservative justices
Wednesday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/justices-appear-split-on-epa-study-of-cutting-toxic-energy-plant-emissions/2015/03/25/0b290516-d324-11e4-a62f-ee745911a4ff_story.html
Supreme Court Appears Divided on EPA Rules to Limit Mercury Emissions
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court appeared split on Wednesday over whether the
Environmental Protection Agency erred when it adopted first-ever
regulations requiring power plants to cut emissions of mercury and other
toxic air pollutants.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/supreme-court-appears-divided-on-epa-rules-to-limit-mercury-emissions-1427305800
House panel passes GOP coal ash bill
The Hill
A subpanel of the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed a
Republican-backed bill aimed at adding certainty to the Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) coal ash disposal rule.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236916-house-panel-passes-gop-coal-ash-bill
House panel subpoenas EPA chief in battle over missing texts
Fox News
The chairman of the House science committee announced Wednesday he is
issuing a subpoena to the Environmental Protection Agency for information
related to the potential deletion of roughly 5,000 text messages from
Administrator Gina McCarthy's phone.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/03/25/gop-house-subpoenas-epa-for-records-on-chief-mccarthy-emails-deleted-texts/?intcmp=latestnews
Opinion
Surprise at the Supreme Court
Justice Breyer pulls a fast one to rescue the EPA's mercury rule.
Wall Street Journal
The Supreme Court heard another challenge to the Environmental Protection
Agency's abusive anticarbon agenda on Wednesday, but oral arguments
featured a surprise defense that no one had heard prior to the questioning.
The Justices shouldn't fall for this immaculate legal misconception.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/surprise-at-the-supreme-court-1427325513
Press Releases
Washington, D.C. Leads Nation on EPA's Energy Star Top Cities List
DC has the most Energy Star buildings of any city in the U.S.; followed by
Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released
its seventh-annual list of the top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas with the most
Energy Star certified buildings in 2014. This year, Washington, D.C.,
debuts in the top spot with 480 buildings. EPA's Energy Star Top Cities
list shows how cities across America, with help from Energy Star, are
embracing energy efficiency as an effective way to save money and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change.
"Cities across the country are saving billions every year through
partnering with our Energy Star program and increasing energy efficiency,
while doing their part to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions that fuel
climate change," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "This is the type of
leadership we need from city leaders and building owners who are
demonstrating that increasing energy efficiency strengthens local
economies, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps preserve a healthy
planet for future generations."
More than 25,000 buildings across America have earned EPA's Energy Star
certification since 1999. The buildings have saved nearly $3.4 billion on
utility bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions
from the annual electricity use of nearly 2.4 million homes.
Energy use in commercial buildings accounts for 17 percent of U.S.
greenhouse gas emissions at a cost of more than $100 billion per year.
Energy Star certified buildings are verified to perform better than 75
percent of similar buildings nationwide, and they use an average of 35
percent less energy and are responsible for 35 percent fewer emissions than
typical buildings. Many common building types can earn the Energy Star,
including office buildings, K-12 schools, hotels, and retail stores.
The program starts with tools to help building owners or managers
understand how their buildings are currently performing and what to aim for
in terms of improvements. A typical upgrade includes the following: tuning
up the building systems; reducing lighting loads; reducing supplemental
loads (e.g., equipment, wasteful behaviors, leaky windows, poor insulation,
etc.); improving air distribution systems; and making upgrades to heating
and cooling equipment. The stages, when followed in order, account for the
interactions between different building systems. For example, replacing
heat-producing incandescent bulbs with cool CFLs or LEDs will mean that a
building's air conditioner won't have to work as hard in the summer months,
so a building may be able to downsize its cooling system based on the new
lighting's heat output. Another benefit of the five-stage approach is that
it ensures the lowest-cost measures are tackled first. As organizations
progress through the five stages, they can roll their cost savings into
larger and larger investments, culminating in the last, most expensive
stage. By the time organizations start making upgrades to heating and
cooling equipment, they typically have already amassed substantial cost
savings from previous lower-cost improvements.
To create the annual top cities list, EPA tallies the number of Energy Star
certified buildings for the end of the previous year within each
metropolitan area, as defined by the U.S. Census. These areas include the
city itself as well as surrounding towns and suburbs.
The top 25 cities are:
Rank Metro Area 2014 Building Count
1 Washington, DC 480
2 Los Angeles 475
3 Atlanta 328
4 New York 299
5 San Francisco 292
6 Chicago 251
7 Dallas-Fort Worth 248
8 Houston 235
9 Denver 195
10 Boston 176
11 Phoenix 165
12 Philadelphia 158
13 Seattle 149
14 Riverside, Calif. 127
15 Minneapolis-St. Paul 122
16 Charlotte 95
17 San Diego 92
18 Miami 90
19 Sacramento 89
20 Virginia Beach 81
21 Detroit 80
22 San Jose 70
23 Austin 65
23 Portland, Ore. 65
24 Louisville 59
24 Tampa 59
25 Salt Lake City 55
Energy Star is the simple choice for energy efficiency. For more than 20
years, people across America have looked to EPA's Energy Star program for
guidance on how to save energy, save money, and protect the environment.
Behind each blue label is a product, building, or home that is
independently certified to use less energy and cause fewer of the emissions
that contribute to climate change. Today, Energy Star is the most widely
recognized symbol for energy efficiency in the world, helping families and
businesses save $300 billion on utility bills, while reducing greenhouse
gas emissions by two billion metric tons since 1992. Join the millions who
are already making a difference at energystar.gov.
More on the 2015 top cities: www.energystar.gov/topcities
Search for Energy Star certified buildings: www.energystar.gov/buildinglist
More about earning the Energy Star label for commercial buildings:
www.energystar.gov/buildingcertification
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
News Clippings 3.25.15
State
Mississippi Senate tells EPA to 'back off'
Clarion Ledger
Senators on Tuesday passed a resolution by 36-10 urging the
Environmental Protection Agency to rescind its controversial Clean
Power Plan.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/politicalledger/2015/03/24/miss-senate-epa-back-off/70375344/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
Today's special, shark with a side order of mercury, brought to you by the
Mississippi state Senate
Sun Herald Crawdaddy Blog
A resolution passed Tuesday by the Mississippi state Senate puts us on the
wrong side of the Clean Air fight. It asks the EPA to delay, yet again, its
rules that would require coal-fired poower plants to reduce pollution.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/25/6141739/todays-special-shark-with-a-side.html
Harrison County Utility Authority ditch pushes sediment onto Coastal
Preserve
BY PAUL HAMPTON
Sun Herald
BILOXI -- Turns out that stormwater ditch flowing from the Shorecrest Road
sewer plant is draining stormwater and silt onto a Coast Preserve along the
Biloxi River.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/24/6140283/harrison-county-utility-authority.html
Biloxi water advisory lifted; 1 left
Sun Herald
HARRISON COUNTY -- The state Department of Environmental Quality has lifted
a water-contact advisory issued March 13 in Biloxi.
Biloxi will clean up with Earth Day sale
BILOXI -- The city is hosting an Earth Day sale April 18 on the Biloxi Town
Green to encourage residents to reuse, recycle and resell.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/24/6141320_around-south-mississippi-briefs.html?rh=1
New beach fencing along US 90 in South Mississippi will help protect
dwindling bird species
New beach fencing along US 90 will help protect dwindling bird species
Sun Herald
BY WESLEY MULLER
GULFPORT -- The least terns will find some newly protected nesting areas
just in time for their annual trip to the Mississippi Coast, thanks to
Harrison County officials.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/24/6140282/new-beach-fencing-along-us-90.html
Legislature may have more money after budget meeting
Clarion Ledger
The state Joint Legislative Budget Committee, a group of House and
Senate leaders, is expected to meet Wednesday and consider a new
revenue estimate as lawmakers prepare to finalize a $6 billion
fiscal 2016 state budget this weekend.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/politicalledger/2015/03/24/state-budget-estimate/70396280/
National
Justices to hear arguments over EPA mercury limits
By MARK SHERMAN
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court is taking up a challenge by industry
groups and Republican-led states that want to roll back Obama
administration environmental rules aimed at reducing power plant emissions
of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants that contribute to
respiratory illnesses, birth defects and developmental problems in
children.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SUPREME_COURT_EPA_EMISSIONS?SITE=SCAND&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
GOP amendment would let the states opt out of EPA climate rule
The Hill
Senate Republicans are proposing a budget amendment that would let states
opt out of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) controversial
climate rule for power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236779-gop-amendment-would-let-states-opt-out-of-epa-rule
Rutledge knocks EPA water plan
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
WASHINGTON -- Confusion about which waters are regulated by the
Environmental Protection Agency under a proposed rule would have
"devastating" effects on farmers in eastern and southern Arkansas, state
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said Tuesday.
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/mar/25/rutledge-knocks-epa-water-plan-20150325/?f=news-arkansas
EPA call for comments raises questions over biofuel standards delay
Reuters
NEW YORK • A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request on Tuesday
for comments from cellulosic biofuels makers raised speculation among
industry analysts of further delays in the release of government-mandated
renewable fuels volumes.
The agency, which oversees the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, has
asked for public comments before submitting a request to Office of
Management and Budget regarding volume projections on cellulosic fuel
production, according to a notice published on Tuesday in the Federal
Register.
http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/epa-call-for-comments-raises-questions-over-biofuel-standards-delay/article_e62eb504-64f5-5ed6-8cf2-6ac805de9adc.html
Environmental concerns dip in US
The Hill
Concern over climate change and a handful of other environmental issues has
fallen from last year after generally increasing the previous several
years, according to a new poll.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236876-environmental-concerns-dip-in-us
Senators push bipartisan bill to build nuclear waste dump
The Hill
A bipartisan team of senators introduced a bill Tuesday aimed at breaking
the decades-long standoff over the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236790-senators-push-bipartisan-bill-to-build-nuclear-waste-dump
Press Releases
EPA Adds Two, Proposes Six Hazardous Waste Sites to Superfund's National
Priorities List
Cleaning up hazardous waste sites protects human health, raises property
value, and facilitates the economic restoration of communities
Release Date: 03/24/2015 Contact Information: George Hull (News Media
Only), hull.george@epa.gov, 202-564-0790
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
adding two hazardous waste sites that pose risks to human health and the
environment to the National Priorities List (NPL) of Superfund sites,
reducing health impacts, including protecting infant health, and
encouraging economic revitalization of a formerly toxic site. In addition,
the agency is proposing to add six additional sites to the list.
"By updating the NPL, we continue to fulfill our mission to protect public
health and the environment by cleaning up contaminated land and returning
formerly toxic sites to communities for productive use," said Mathy
Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response. "Superfund cleanups help advance the economic
well-being of communities by turning contaminated properties into
productive community resources that can enhance property values, create
jobs and broaden tax bases."
Recent academic research contributes more evidence that Superfund cleanups
help protect public health. An academic study, Superfund Cleanups and
Infant Health, demonstrated that investment in Superfund cleanups reduces
the incidence of congenital abnormalities for those living within 5,000
meters (or 5,468 yards) of a site.
Today, more than 800 Superfund sites across the nation support some type of
continued use, active reuse or planned reuse activities. EPA found at 450
of the 800 sites, at the end of fiscal year 2014, there were ongoing
operations of approximately 3,400 businesses, generating annual sales of
more than $65 billion and employing more than 89,000 people. Another
study conducted by researchers at Duke and Pittsburgh Universities,
concluded that making a site final on the NPL may increase housing prices
by signaling that a site will be cleaned up. Furthermore, the study found
that once a site has all cleanup remedies in place, nearby properties have
a significant increase in property values as compared to pre-NPL proposal
values. The following two sites have been added to the NPL:
· Indiana - Kokomo Contaminated Ground Water Plume (ground water plume)
in Kokomo, Ind.
· Michigan - DSC McLouth Steel Gibraltar Plant (steel finishing
operation) in Gibraltar, Mich.
The following six sites have been proposed for addition to the NPL:
· Illinois - Estech General Chemical Company (pesticide manufacturer)
in Calumet City, Ill.
· Louisiana - Colonial Creosote (wood treatment plant) in Bogalusa, La.
· Massachusetts - BJAT LLC (various industrial operations) in Franklin,
Mass.
· Montana - Anaconda Aluminum Company Columbia Falls Reduction Plant
(aluminum smelter) in Columbia Falls, Mont.
· Texas - Main Street Ground Water Plume (ground water plume) in
Burnet, Tex.
· Washington - Grain Handling Facility at Freeman (grain handling
facility) in Freeman, Wash.
The Superfund program, a federal program established by Congress in 1980,
investigates and cleans up the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned
hazardous waste sites in the country and converts them into productive
community resources by eliminating or reducing public health risks and
environmental contamination associated with hazardous waste sites.
The sites announced today have characteristics and conditions that vary in
terms of size, complexity and contamination. As with all NPL sites, EPA
first works to identify the parties responsible for the contamination at a
site, and requires them to conduct or pay for the cleanup. For the newly
added sites without viable potentially responsible parties, EPA will
investigate the full extent of the contamination before starting
substantial cleanup at the site.
Past and current uses of the sites announced today include pesticide
manufacturing, aluminum smelting, grain handling, wood treatment and steel
finishing operations. Improper hazardous waste management associated with
these activities, led to the release of numerous site contaminants into the
environment, including lead, mercury, zinc and other metals;
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and chlorinated solvents, such as vinyl
chloride. Contamination affects surface water, ground water, soil and
wetlands.
The Kokomo Contaminated Ground Water Plume is in an area with facilities
that handle chlorinated solvents, however no source has been identified.
The plume is approximately 294 acres and encompasses several municipal
wells in the city. Approximately 55,000 Kokomo residents rely on drinking
water from the affected well field.
The DSC McLouth Steel Gibraltar Plant Area site is a former steel
processing facility which ceased operations in the mid- 1990's where
mismanaged leachate control systems have resulted in contamination to
adjacent creeks and drains leading to the Detroit River.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Comprehensive
Environmental, Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the law
establishing the Superfund program. Superfund's passage was a giant step
forward in cleaning up industrial waste sites to help ensure human health
and environmental protection. The Superfund law gives EPA the authority to
clean up releases of hazardous substances and directs EPA to update the NPL
at least annually. The NPL contains the nation's most serious uncontrolled
or abandoned hazardous waste sites. The list serves as the basis for
prioritizing both enforcement actions and long-term EPA Superfund cleanup
funding; only sites on the NPL are eligible for such funding.
Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the final and
proposed sites: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/current.htm
Information about how a site is listed on the NPL:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/npl_hrs.htm
Superfund sites in local communities:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/index.htm
More information about the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the law establishing the Superfund
program, can be found at: http://epa.gov/superfund/policy/cercla.htm
MTU America Inc., Agrees to Conduct Proper Testing to Ensure Engines Meet
Air Pollution Standards
WASHINGTON – MTU America Inc. (MTU), a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Power
Systems AG, will implement an auditing program to ensure proper emissions
testing and compliance with federal emission standards for its heavy-duty
diesel non-road engines as part of a settlement to resolve alleged Clean
Air Act violations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
Department of Justice and announced today.
The complaint filed with the settlement alleges that MTU violated the Clean
Air Act by selling 895 non-road, heavy-duty diesel engines, which are used
in mining, marine and power generation vehicles and equipment, without
valid certificates of conformity. EPA voided the certificates of conformity
purporting to cover the engines based on improper emissions testing by MTU
employees. Under the settlement, MTU will pay a $1.2 million penalty and
perform annual audits of its engine emission testing and certification
activities for three years. The audits will be conducted by an
EPA-approved, third-party auditor that will monitor and evaluate compliance
with Clean Air Act requirements for testing, certification, record-keeping
and reporting. MTU is also required to initiate corrective actions if the
audit reveals non-compliance.
"Engines that aren't properly certified can emit toxic pollution that
aggravates asthma and other respiratory illnesses," said Assistant
Administrator Cynthia Giles of EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance. "This agreement requires that MTU take important steps to comply
with the law, protect the public and reduce smog in our air."
"Certificates of conformity are a critical part of EPA's program to ensure
that vehicles and engines meet Clean Air Act emissions standards," said
Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden of the Department of Justice's
Environment and Natural Resources Division. "Companies that skirt the rules
in their certification testing hurt the public and their competitors.
Today's settlement ensures that the company will adequately monitor the
activities of employees involved in the certification process to prevent
this kind of conduct from recurring."
Every engine sold in or imported into the U.S. must be covered by a valid
EPA-issued certificate of conformity. When applying for a certificate of
conformity, an applicant must certify to EPA that it followed appropriate
testing, certification, record-keeping and reporting requirements to ensure
its products will meet applicable federal emission standards to control air
pollution. Engines operating without proper emissions controls can emit
excess carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, which can cause
respiratory illness, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of
ground-level ozone or smog.
Through information disclosed by the company, EPA discovered that MTU had
obtained EPA certificates of conformity without conducting valid testing.
EPA learned that MTU had installed a catalytic converter onto its prototype
engine during testing to reduce emissions of pollutants. MTU had also
performed maintenance during durability testing on the same engine, but had
not reported this to EPA, a violation of testing regulations.
Selling or importing engines that are not covered by valid certificates of
conformity is a violation of the Clean Air Act. Based on MTU's disclosures,
EPA voided the certificates of conformity covering these engines on Feb.
23, 2015. MTU violated the Clean Air Act by selling and importing the
engines, which, because of the voiding, were not covered by a valid
certificate of conformity as required by law. MTU has worked with EPA to
take steps to prevent these violations from occurring in the future.
This settlement is part of an ongoing effort by EPA to ensure that all
vehicles and engines meet federal emission limits for harmful pollution.
The Clean Air Act requires that all vehicles have EPA-issued certificates
of conformity prior to being imported or sold in the U.S. to demonstrate
that they meet federal emission standards.
MTU America Inc. based in Novi, Michigan, and formerly known as Tognum
America Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG,
a German corporation. MTU manufactures non-road, off-highway engines for
the North American market for locomotive, marine, construction and defense
uses.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of
Columbia, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the
federal court. The consent decree can be viewed at:
www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html
More information on the settlement:
http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/mtu-america-inc-clean-air-act-settlement
For a list of certificates of conformity voided by the EPA:
http://epa.gov/otaq/motor-void.htm
Mississippi Senate tells EPA to 'back off'
Clarion Ledger
Senators on Tuesday passed a resolution by 36-10 urging the
Environmental Protection Agency to rescind its controversial Clean
Power Plan.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/politicalledger/2015/03/24/miss-senate-epa-back-off/70375344/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed
Today's special, shark with a side order of mercury, brought to you by the
Mississippi state Senate
Sun Herald Crawdaddy Blog
A resolution passed Tuesday by the Mississippi state Senate puts us on the
wrong side of the Clean Air fight. It asks the EPA to delay, yet again, its
rules that would require coal-fired poower plants to reduce pollution.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/25/6141739/todays-special-shark-with-a-side.html
Harrison County Utility Authority ditch pushes sediment onto Coastal
Preserve
BY PAUL HAMPTON
Sun Herald
BILOXI -- Turns out that stormwater ditch flowing from the Shorecrest Road
sewer plant is draining stormwater and silt onto a Coast Preserve along the
Biloxi River.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/24/6140283/harrison-county-utility-authority.html
Biloxi water advisory lifted; 1 left
Sun Herald
HARRISON COUNTY -- The state Department of Environmental Quality has lifted
a water-contact advisory issued March 13 in Biloxi.
Biloxi will clean up with Earth Day sale
BILOXI -- The city is hosting an Earth Day sale April 18 on the Biloxi Town
Green to encourage residents to reuse, recycle and resell.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/24/6141320_around-south-mississippi-briefs.html?rh=1
New beach fencing along US 90 in South Mississippi will help protect
dwindling bird species
New beach fencing along US 90 will help protect dwindling bird species
Sun Herald
BY WESLEY MULLER
GULFPORT -- The least terns will find some newly protected nesting areas
just in time for their annual trip to the Mississippi Coast, thanks to
Harrison County officials.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/24/6140282/new-beach-fencing-along-us-90.html
Legislature may have more money after budget meeting
Clarion Ledger
The state Joint Legislative Budget Committee, a group of House and
Senate leaders, is expected to meet Wednesday and consider a new
revenue estimate as lawmakers prepare to finalize a $6 billion
fiscal 2016 state budget this weekend.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/politicalledger/2015/03/24/state-budget-estimate/70396280/
National
Justices to hear arguments over EPA mercury limits
By MARK SHERMAN
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court is taking up a challenge by industry
groups and Republican-led states that want to roll back Obama
administration environmental rules aimed at reducing power plant emissions
of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants that contribute to
respiratory illnesses, birth defects and developmental problems in
children.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SUPREME_COURT_EPA_EMISSIONS?SITE=SCAND&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
GOP amendment would let the states opt out of EPA climate rule
The Hill
Senate Republicans are proposing a budget amendment that would let states
opt out of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) controversial
climate rule for power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236779-gop-amendment-would-let-states-opt-out-of-epa-rule
Rutledge knocks EPA water plan
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
WASHINGTON -- Confusion about which waters are regulated by the
Environmental Protection Agency under a proposed rule would have
"devastating" effects on farmers in eastern and southern Arkansas, state
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said Tuesday.
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/mar/25/rutledge-knocks-epa-water-plan-20150325/?f=news-arkansas
EPA call for comments raises questions over biofuel standards delay
Reuters
NEW YORK • A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) request on Tuesday
for comments from cellulosic biofuels makers raised speculation among
industry analysts of further delays in the release of government-mandated
renewable fuels volumes.
The agency, which oversees the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, has
asked for public comments before submitting a request to Office of
Management and Budget regarding volume projections on cellulosic fuel
production, according to a notice published on Tuesday in the Federal
Register.
http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/epa-call-for-comments-raises-questions-over-biofuel-standards-delay/article_e62eb504-64f5-5ed6-8cf2-6ac805de9adc.html
Environmental concerns dip in US
The Hill
Concern over climate change and a handful of other environmental issues has
fallen from last year after generally increasing the previous several
years, according to a new poll.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236876-environmental-concerns-dip-in-us
Senators push bipartisan bill to build nuclear waste dump
The Hill
A bipartisan team of senators introduced a bill Tuesday aimed at breaking
the decades-long standoff over the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236790-senators-push-bipartisan-bill-to-build-nuclear-waste-dump
Press Releases
EPA Adds Two, Proposes Six Hazardous Waste Sites to Superfund's National
Priorities List
Cleaning up hazardous waste sites protects human health, raises property
value, and facilitates the economic restoration of communities
Release Date: 03/24/2015 Contact Information: George Hull (News Media
Only), hull.george@epa.gov, 202-564-0790
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
adding two hazardous waste sites that pose risks to human health and the
environment to the National Priorities List (NPL) of Superfund sites,
reducing health impacts, including protecting infant health, and
encouraging economic revitalization of a formerly toxic site. In addition,
the agency is proposing to add six additional sites to the list.
"By updating the NPL, we continue to fulfill our mission to protect public
health and the environment by cleaning up contaminated land and returning
formerly toxic sites to communities for productive use," said Mathy
Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response. "Superfund cleanups help advance the economic
well-being of communities by turning contaminated properties into
productive community resources that can enhance property values, create
jobs and broaden tax bases."
Recent academic research contributes more evidence that Superfund cleanups
help protect public health. An academic study, Superfund Cleanups and
Infant Health, demonstrated that investment in Superfund cleanups reduces
the incidence of congenital abnormalities for those living within 5,000
meters (or 5,468 yards) of a site.
Today, more than 800 Superfund sites across the nation support some type of
continued use, active reuse or planned reuse activities. EPA found at 450
of the 800 sites, at the end of fiscal year 2014, there were ongoing
operations of approximately 3,400 businesses, generating annual sales of
more than $65 billion and employing more than 89,000 people. Another
study conducted by researchers at Duke and Pittsburgh Universities,
concluded that making a site final on the NPL may increase housing prices
by signaling that a site will be cleaned up. Furthermore, the study found
that once a site has all cleanup remedies in place, nearby properties have
a significant increase in property values as compared to pre-NPL proposal
values. The following two sites have been added to the NPL:
· Indiana - Kokomo Contaminated Ground Water Plume (ground water plume)
in Kokomo, Ind.
· Michigan - DSC McLouth Steel Gibraltar Plant (steel finishing
operation) in Gibraltar, Mich.
The following six sites have been proposed for addition to the NPL:
· Illinois - Estech General Chemical Company (pesticide manufacturer)
in Calumet City, Ill.
· Louisiana - Colonial Creosote (wood treatment plant) in Bogalusa, La.
· Massachusetts - BJAT LLC (various industrial operations) in Franklin,
Mass.
· Montana - Anaconda Aluminum Company Columbia Falls Reduction Plant
(aluminum smelter) in Columbia Falls, Mont.
· Texas - Main Street Ground Water Plume (ground water plume) in
Burnet, Tex.
· Washington - Grain Handling Facility at Freeman (grain handling
facility) in Freeman, Wash.
The Superfund program, a federal program established by Congress in 1980,
investigates and cleans up the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned
hazardous waste sites in the country and converts them into productive
community resources by eliminating or reducing public health risks and
environmental contamination associated with hazardous waste sites.
The sites announced today have characteristics and conditions that vary in
terms of size, complexity and contamination. As with all NPL sites, EPA
first works to identify the parties responsible for the contamination at a
site, and requires them to conduct or pay for the cleanup. For the newly
added sites without viable potentially responsible parties, EPA will
investigate the full extent of the contamination before starting
substantial cleanup at the site.
Past and current uses of the sites announced today include pesticide
manufacturing, aluminum smelting, grain handling, wood treatment and steel
finishing operations. Improper hazardous waste management associated with
these activities, led to the release of numerous site contaminants into the
environment, including lead, mercury, zinc and other metals;
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and chlorinated solvents, such as vinyl
chloride. Contamination affects surface water, ground water, soil and
wetlands.
The Kokomo Contaminated Ground Water Plume is in an area with facilities
that handle chlorinated solvents, however no source has been identified.
The plume is approximately 294 acres and encompasses several municipal
wells in the city. Approximately 55,000 Kokomo residents rely on drinking
water from the affected well field.
The DSC McLouth Steel Gibraltar Plant Area site is a former steel
processing facility which ceased operations in the mid- 1990's where
mismanaged leachate control systems have resulted in contamination to
adjacent creeks and drains leading to the Detroit River.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Comprehensive
Environmental, Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the law
establishing the Superfund program. Superfund's passage was a giant step
forward in cleaning up industrial waste sites to help ensure human health
and environmental protection. The Superfund law gives EPA the authority to
clean up releases of hazardous substances and directs EPA to update the NPL
at least annually. The NPL contains the nation's most serious uncontrolled
or abandoned hazardous waste sites. The list serves as the basis for
prioritizing both enforcement actions and long-term EPA Superfund cleanup
funding; only sites on the NPL are eligible for such funding.
Federal Register notices and supporting documents for the final and
proposed sites: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/current.htm
Information about how a site is listed on the NPL:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/npl_hrs.htm
Superfund sites in local communities:
http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/index.htm
More information about the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the law establishing the Superfund
program, can be found at: http://epa.gov/superfund/policy/cercla.htm
MTU America Inc., Agrees to Conduct Proper Testing to Ensure Engines Meet
Air Pollution Standards
WASHINGTON – MTU America Inc. (MTU), a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Power
Systems AG, will implement an auditing program to ensure proper emissions
testing and compliance with federal emission standards for its heavy-duty
diesel non-road engines as part of a settlement to resolve alleged Clean
Air Act violations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
Department of Justice and announced today.
The complaint filed with the settlement alleges that MTU violated the Clean
Air Act by selling 895 non-road, heavy-duty diesel engines, which are used
in mining, marine and power generation vehicles and equipment, without
valid certificates of conformity. EPA voided the certificates of conformity
purporting to cover the engines based on improper emissions testing by MTU
employees. Under the settlement, MTU will pay a $1.2 million penalty and
perform annual audits of its engine emission testing and certification
activities for three years. The audits will be conducted by an
EPA-approved, third-party auditor that will monitor and evaluate compliance
with Clean Air Act requirements for testing, certification, record-keeping
and reporting. MTU is also required to initiate corrective actions if the
audit reveals non-compliance.
"Engines that aren't properly certified can emit toxic pollution that
aggravates asthma and other respiratory illnesses," said Assistant
Administrator Cynthia Giles of EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance. "This agreement requires that MTU take important steps to comply
with the law, protect the public and reduce smog in our air."
"Certificates of conformity are a critical part of EPA's program to ensure
that vehicles and engines meet Clean Air Act emissions standards," said
Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden of the Department of Justice's
Environment and Natural Resources Division. "Companies that skirt the rules
in their certification testing hurt the public and their competitors.
Today's settlement ensures that the company will adequately monitor the
activities of employees involved in the certification process to prevent
this kind of conduct from recurring."
Every engine sold in or imported into the U.S. must be covered by a valid
EPA-issued certificate of conformity. When applying for a certificate of
conformity, an applicant must certify to EPA that it followed appropriate
testing, certification, record-keeping and reporting requirements to ensure
its products will meet applicable federal emission standards to control air
pollution. Engines operating without proper emissions controls can emit
excess carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, which can cause
respiratory illness, aggravate asthma and contribute to the formation of
ground-level ozone or smog.
Through information disclosed by the company, EPA discovered that MTU had
obtained EPA certificates of conformity without conducting valid testing.
EPA learned that MTU had installed a catalytic converter onto its prototype
engine during testing to reduce emissions of pollutants. MTU had also
performed maintenance during durability testing on the same engine, but had
not reported this to EPA, a violation of testing regulations.
Selling or importing engines that are not covered by valid certificates of
conformity is a violation of the Clean Air Act. Based on MTU's disclosures,
EPA voided the certificates of conformity covering these engines on Feb.
23, 2015. MTU violated the Clean Air Act by selling and importing the
engines, which, because of the voiding, were not covered by a valid
certificate of conformity as required by law. MTU has worked with EPA to
take steps to prevent these violations from occurring in the future.
This settlement is part of an ongoing effort by EPA to ensure that all
vehicles and engines meet federal emission limits for harmful pollution.
The Clean Air Act requires that all vehicles have EPA-issued certificates
of conformity prior to being imported or sold in the U.S. to demonstrate
that they meet federal emission standards.
MTU America Inc. based in Novi, Michigan, and formerly known as Tognum
America Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG,
a German corporation. MTU manufactures non-road, off-highway engines for
the North American market for locomotive, marine, construction and defense
uses.
The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of
Columbia, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the
federal court. The consent decree can be viewed at:
www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html
More information on the settlement:
http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/mtu-america-inc-clean-air-act-settlement
For a list of certificates of conformity voided by the EPA:
http://epa.gov/otaq/motor-void.htm
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
News Clippings 3.24.15
State
Volunteers sought in DeSoto clean up campaign
Commercial Appeal
DeSoto's declared "war on litter" is enlisting volunteers to haul rubbish
to bins at 14 sites across the county over the next two weeks, and to keep
the effort going year-
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/volunteers-sought-in-desoto-clean-up-campaign_49885668
Lawmakers pass watered-down contract reform
Clarion Ledger
The House on Monday sent a contract reform and transparency bill on
to the governor, amid complaints that the Senate had greatly
weakened the measure.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/03/23/house-passes-senates-weaker-reforms/70353622/
Oil Spill
BP ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT RAISES CONCERNS
MPB
A report by BP ahead of the five-year anniversary of the spill in about one
month argues the environmental effects of the massive 2010 Gulf oil spill
are not as bad as initially feared. But, as MPB's Evelina Burnett reports,
some environmental groups disagree.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2015/03/23/bp-environmental-report-raises-concerns/
National
GOP bill delays climate rule, gives states veto
The Hill
House Republicans are preparing a bill that would delay implementation of
the Obama administration's climate rule for power plants and let state
governors veto compliance plans.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236656-house-gop-seeks-to-delay-epa-climate-rule-gives-states-vetoes
Power Companies Seek to End Losing Streak on EPA at Top U.S. Court
Bloomberg
Think the U.S. Supreme Court is pro-business? Try telling that to the
utility industry.
Coal-dependent power companies have taken a pounding at the high court over
the last decade, most recently with two losses last year on Obama
administration clean air rules. Those defeats have come even as the court,
with its Republican-appointed majority, embraces business arguments in
other contexts.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-24/power-companies-seek-to-end-losing-skid-on-epa-at-top-u-s-court
U.S. Catfish Fight Expected to Sink a Popular Import
USDA to tighten rules for Vietnamese fish known as basa or swai
Wall Street Journal
A white flaky fish that recently overtook cod and crab to become the sixth
most popular seafood in the U.S. could soon disappear from American dinner
plates.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-catfish-fight-expected-to-sink-a-popular-import-1427131633
Opinion
Mercurial Regulators Making Fishy Calculations
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to a costly EPA rule
limiting power-plant emissions.
Wall Street Journal
How many pregnant women do you know who fish—not recreationally, but to
feed themselves? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a
whopping 15% of all pregnant women in Wisconsin subsist primarily by
catching and eating as much as six pounds of lake fish a week. The EPA says
the percentage is 21% in neighboring Minnesota and 6% nationally. To put
these numbers in perspective, the average American consumes about five
ounces of fish from oceans and lakes a week, and the EPA recommends that
pregnant women eat less than 12 ounces a week.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/brian-potts-mercurial-regulators-making-fishy-calculations-1427153569
Press Releases
Timber Company Pro South Expanding Operations in Prentiss County, Miss.
JACKSON—Officials from Pro South announce the company is expanding its
operations by adding a sawmill at its location near Booneville, Miss., in
Prentiss County. The project represents a $2.75 million company investment
and will create 57 new jobs.
Pro South is involved in several sectors of the timber industry. In
addition to the company's logging, trucking, timber purchasing, and wood
yard services operations, Pro South's new sawmill will produce large
quantities of processed lumber and timber products.
"I am grateful to the Pro South team for its commitment to Mississippi and
Prentiss County. Part of what makes Mississippi work is the continued
growth of existing businesses," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "I am very pleased
to see Pro South expand and wish the company continued success in north
Mississippi."
"We are excited about the future of our company and for the new job
creation in our own hometown as a result of this latest sawmill project,"
said Pro South President Russell Stites. "By diversifying our business, we
are seeking to provide enhanced job security and longevity for all of our
employees, new additions and long-termers alike, that make this growth
opportunity possible."
The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the
project to transport and reassemble refurbished equipment, as well as for
workforce training.
"MDA is dedicated to strengthening the state's economy through investment
and job creation, and we are glad to have assisted Pro South as it grows in
Prentiss County and provides nearly 60 new job opportunities for the area's
residents," said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. "We thank our
partners at Prentiss County and the Prentiss County Development Association
for working with us to help this great company expand."
For more information about Pro South, please visit www.prologging.com.
###
EPA Releases Final Risk Assessment for Chemical used for Paint and Coating
Removal
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. EPA released the final risk assessment for
N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP), a chemical commonly used to remove paint and
other coatings. The assessment identified risks to pregnant women and women
of childbearing age, who have high exposure to NMP through paint or other
coating removal.
"By completing this assessment, we have taken an important step in
protecting pregnant women and women of childbearing age who are using NMP
to remove paint," said Jim Jones, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office
of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "It is a reminder that as we
evaluate these risks, it is very clear that our nation's chemical laws are
in much need of reform. Completing this assessment will now trigger a
process to address these unacceptable risks."
Acute and chronic risks identified for women of childbearing age who use
NMP for less than four hours per day may be reduced by use of specific
types of chemical-resistant gloves. However, gloves and respirators do not
adequately reduce risks to women of childbearing age who use NMP for more
than four hours per day on a single day or repeatedly over a succession of
days.
The NMP final risk assessment was developed as part of the Agency's Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) Work Plan, which identified chemicals for
review and assessment of potential risks to people's health and the
environment.
NMP is a common alternative to methylene chloride, also known as
Dichloromethane (DCM), a chemical-based paint and coating remover. EPA has
also identified risks associated with methylene chloride during the removal
of paint and other coatings. For both NMP and methylene chloride, EPA is
considering a range of voluntary and regulatory actions to reduce risks,
and recommends finding safer paint/coating removal chemicals, or taking
precautions that can reduce exposures, such as using the product outside,
in a well-ventilated area, and wearing proper gloves and respiratory
protection.
Additional information on the NMP final risk assessment and other work plan
chemicals can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/riskassess.html
Settlement with Continental Carbon Company to Reduce Air Pollution at
Manufacturing Facilities in Three States
WASHINGTON – In a settlement with the United States and the states of
Alabama and Oklahoma, Continental Carbon Company has agreed to install
pollution control technology that will significantly cut emissions of
harmful air pollutants at manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Oklahoma and
Texas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of
Justice announced today. The settlement will resolve claims that
Houston-based Continental violated the Clean Air Act by modifying their
facilities in a way that caused the release of excess sulfur dioxide (SO2)
and nitrogen oxide (NOx).
The settlement requires Continental to pay a civil penalty of $650,000,
which will be shared with Alabama and Oklahoma, co-plaintiffs in the case.
Continental must also spend $550,000 on environmental projects to help
mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution on the environment and to
benefit local communities, including at least $25,000 on energy efficiency
projects in the communities near each of the three facilities.
"This settlement brings another major carbon black company into compliance
with a law that protects clean air for American communities," said Cynthia
Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance. "By investigating all 15 carbon black manufacturing
plants in the U.S., EPA is committed to improving public health and
leveling the playing field for companies that follow the law. By installing
the latest pollution control technology and funding environmental projects,
Continental is taking steps to reduce emissions of air pollutants that can
lead to serious health problems."
"Today's agreement is good news for residents living near Continental
facilities in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas, who will benefit from cleaner
air for years to come because of this action," said Assistant Attorney
General John C. Cruden for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural
Resources Division. "The agreement also reflects our continuing efforts to
vigorously enforce the Clean Air Act to protect public health and the
environment. The settlement requires Continental to control large sources
of air pollution with advanced technology and requires projects that will
have a direct and positive impact on Continental's neighbors."
Continental manufactures carbon black, a fine carbonaceous powder used in
tires, plastics, rubber, inkjet toner and cosmetics, at facilities in
Phenix City, Ala., Ponca City, Okla., and Sunray, Texas. Because the oil
used to make carbon black is high in sulfur, its production creates large
amounts of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. This
settlement supports EPA's and DOJ's national efforts to advance
environmental justice by working to protect communities such as Phenix City
and Ponca City that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution.
EPA expects that the actions required by the settlement will reduce harmful
emissions by approximately 6,278 tons per year of sulfur dioxide and 1,590
tons per year of nitrogen oxide. Continental estimates that it will spend
about $98 million to implement the required measures. The pollution
reductions will be achieved through the installation, upgrade and operation
of state-of-the-art pollution control devices designed to reduce emissions
and protect public health.
SO2 and NOx have numerous adverse effects on human health and are
significant contributors to acid rain, smog, and haze. These pollutants are
converted in the air to particulate matter that can cause severe
respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, and premature death.
EPA concluded that the modifications made at Continental's plants violated
the Clean Air Act based on information the company submitted in response to
an information request from EPA in 2007. EPA issued notices of violation to
Continental for these claims in 2012.
The settlement was filed with the United States District Court for the
Western District Court of Oklahoma and is subject to a 30 day public
comment period. The company is required to pay the penalty within 30 days
after the court approves the settlement.
This settlement is part of EPA's National Enforcement Initiative to control
harmful emissions from large sources of pollution. Through the initiative,
EPA investigated all 15 of the carbon black plants in the U.S. for
violations of the Clean Air Act's Prevention of Significant Deterioration
requirements. With this settlement, six of the 15 facilities will be
covered by consent decrees with EPA. In 2013, EPA announced the first
national carbon black settlement with Boston-based Cabot Corporation, the
second largest carbon black manufacturer in the United States.
More on the settlement:
http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/continental-carbon-company-clean-air-act-settlement
Volunteers sought in DeSoto clean up campaign
Commercial Appeal
DeSoto's declared "war on litter" is enlisting volunteers to haul rubbish
to bins at 14 sites across the county over the next two weeks, and to keep
the effort going year-
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/volunteers-sought-in-desoto-clean-up-campaign_49885668
Lawmakers pass watered-down contract reform
Clarion Ledger
The House on Monday sent a contract reform and transparency bill on
to the governor, amid complaints that the Senate had greatly
weakened the measure.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/03/23/house-passes-senates-weaker-reforms/70353622/
Oil Spill
BP ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT RAISES CONCERNS
MPB
A report by BP ahead of the five-year anniversary of the spill in about one
month argues the environmental effects of the massive 2010 Gulf oil spill
are not as bad as initially feared. But, as MPB's Evelina Burnett reports,
some environmental groups disagree.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2015/03/23/bp-environmental-report-raises-concerns/
National
GOP bill delays climate rule, gives states veto
The Hill
House Republicans are preparing a bill that would delay implementation of
the Obama administration's climate rule for power plants and let state
governors veto compliance plans.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236656-house-gop-seeks-to-delay-epa-climate-rule-gives-states-vetoes
Power Companies Seek to End Losing Streak on EPA at Top U.S. Court
Bloomberg
Think the U.S. Supreme Court is pro-business? Try telling that to the
utility industry.
Coal-dependent power companies have taken a pounding at the high court over
the last decade, most recently with two losses last year on Obama
administration clean air rules. Those defeats have come even as the court,
with its Republican-appointed majority, embraces business arguments in
other contexts.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-24/power-companies-seek-to-end-losing-skid-on-epa-at-top-u-s-court
U.S. Catfish Fight Expected to Sink a Popular Import
USDA to tighten rules for Vietnamese fish known as basa or swai
Wall Street Journal
A white flaky fish that recently overtook cod and crab to become the sixth
most popular seafood in the U.S. could soon disappear from American dinner
plates.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-catfish-fight-expected-to-sink-a-popular-import-1427131633
Opinion
Mercurial Regulators Making Fishy Calculations
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to a costly EPA rule
limiting power-plant emissions.
Wall Street Journal
How many pregnant women do you know who fish—not recreationally, but to
feed themselves? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a
whopping 15% of all pregnant women in Wisconsin subsist primarily by
catching and eating as much as six pounds of lake fish a week. The EPA says
the percentage is 21% in neighboring Minnesota and 6% nationally. To put
these numbers in perspective, the average American consumes about five
ounces of fish from oceans and lakes a week, and the EPA recommends that
pregnant women eat less than 12 ounces a week.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/brian-potts-mercurial-regulators-making-fishy-calculations-1427153569
Press Releases
Timber Company Pro South Expanding Operations in Prentiss County, Miss.
JACKSON—Officials from Pro South announce the company is expanding its
operations by adding a sawmill at its location near Booneville, Miss., in
Prentiss County. The project represents a $2.75 million company investment
and will create 57 new jobs.
Pro South is involved in several sectors of the timber industry. In
addition to the company's logging, trucking, timber purchasing, and wood
yard services operations, Pro South's new sawmill will produce large
quantities of processed lumber and timber products.
"I am grateful to the Pro South team for its commitment to Mississippi and
Prentiss County. Part of what makes Mississippi work is the continued
growth of existing businesses," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "I am very pleased
to see Pro South expand and wish the company continued success in north
Mississippi."
"We are excited about the future of our company and for the new job
creation in our own hometown as a result of this latest sawmill project,"
said Pro South President Russell Stites. "By diversifying our business, we
are seeking to provide enhanced job security and longevity for all of our
employees, new additions and long-termers alike, that make this growth
opportunity possible."
The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the
project to transport and reassemble refurbished equipment, as well as for
workforce training.
"MDA is dedicated to strengthening the state's economy through investment
and job creation, and we are glad to have assisted Pro South as it grows in
Prentiss County and provides nearly 60 new job opportunities for the area's
residents," said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. "We thank our
partners at Prentiss County and the Prentiss County Development Association
for working with us to help this great company expand."
For more information about Pro South, please visit www.prologging.com.
###
EPA Releases Final Risk Assessment for Chemical used for Paint and Coating
Removal
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. EPA released the final risk assessment for
N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP), a chemical commonly used to remove paint and
other coatings. The assessment identified risks to pregnant women and women
of childbearing age, who have high exposure to NMP through paint or other
coating removal.
"By completing this assessment, we have taken an important step in
protecting pregnant women and women of childbearing age who are using NMP
to remove paint," said Jim Jones, Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office
of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "It is a reminder that as we
evaluate these risks, it is very clear that our nation's chemical laws are
in much need of reform. Completing this assessment will now trigger a
process to address these unacceptable risks."
Acute and chronic risks identified for women of childbearing age who use
NMP for less than four hours per day may be reduced by use of specific
types of chemical-resistant gloves. However, gloves and respirators do not
adequately reduce risks to women of childbearing age who use NMP for more
than four hours per day on a single day or repeatedly over a succession of
days.
The NMP final risk assessment was developed as part of the Agency's Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) Work Plan, which identified chemicals for
review and assessment of potential risks to people's health and the
environment.
NMP is a common alternative to methylene chloride, also known as
Dichloromethane (DCM), a chemical-based paint and coating remover. EPA has
also identified risks associated with methylene chloride during the removal
of paint and other coatings. For both NMP and methylene chloride, EPA is
considering a range of voluntary and regulatory actions to reduce risks,
and recommends finding safer paint/coating removal chemicals, or taking
precautions that can reduce exposures, such as using the product outside,
in a well-ventilated area, and wearing proper gloves and respiratory
protection.
Additional information on the NMP final risk assessment and other work plan
chemicals can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/riskassess.html
Settlement with Continental Carbon Company to Reduce Air Pollution at
Manufacturing Facilities in Three States
WASHINGTON – In a settlement with the United States and the states of
Alabama and Oklahoma, Continental Carbon Company has agreed to install
pollution control technology that will significantly cut emissions of
harmful air pollutants at manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Oklahoma and
Texas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of
Justice announced today. The settlement will resolve claims that
Houston-based Continental violated the Clean Air Act by modifying their
facilities in a way that caused the release of excess sulfur dioxide (SO2)
and nitrogen oxide (NOx).
The settlement requires Continental to pay a civil penalty of $650,000,
which will be shared with Alabama and Oklahoma, co-plaintiffs in the case.
Continental must also spend $550,000 on environmental projects to help
mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution on the environment and to
benefit local communities, including at least $25,000 on energy efficiency
projects in the communities near each of the three facilities.
"This settlement brings another major carbon black company into compliance
with a law that protects clean air for American communities," said Cynthia
Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and
Compliance Assurance. "By investigating all 15 carbon black manufacturing
plants in the U.S., EPA is committed to improving public health and
leveling the playing field for companies that follow the law. By installing
the latest pollution control technology and funding environmental projects,
Continental is taking steps to reduce emissions of air pollutants that can
lead to serious health problems."
"Today's agreement is good news for residents living near Continental
facilities in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas, who will benefit from cleaner
air for years to come because of this action," said Assistant Attorney
General John C. Cruden for the Justice Department's Environment and Natural
Resources Division. "The agreement also reflects our continuing efforts to
vigorously enforce the Clean Air Act to protect public health and the
environment. The settlement requires Continental to control large sources
of air pollution with advanced technology and requires projects that will
have a direct and positive impact on Continental's neighbors."
Continental manufactures carbon black, a fine carbonaceous powder used in
tires, plastics, rubber, inkjet toner and cosmetics, at facilities in
Phenix City, Ala., Ponca City, Okla., and Sunray, Texas. Because the oil
used to make carbon black is high in sulfur, its production creates large
amounts of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. This
settlement supports EPA's and DOJ's national efforts to advance
environmental justice by working to protect communities such as Phenix City
and Ponca City that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution.
EPA expects that the actions required by the settlement will reduce harmful
emissions by approximately 6,278 tons per year of sulfur dioxide and 1,590
tons per year of nitrogen oxide. Continental estimates that it will spend
about $98 million to implement the required measures. The pollution
reductions will be achieved through the installation, upgrade and operation
of state-of-the-art pollution control devices designed to reduce emissions
and protect public health.
SO2 and NOx have numerous adverse effects on human health and are
significant contributors to acid rain, smog, and haze. These pollutants are
converted in the air to particulate matter that can cause severe
respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, and premature death.
EPA concluded that the modifications made at Continental's plants violated
the Clean Air Act based on information the company submitted in response to
an information request from EPA in 2007. EPA issued notices of violation to
Continental for these claims in 2012.
The settlement was filed with the United States District Court for the
Western District Court of Oklahoma and is subject to a 30 day public
comment period. The company is required to pay the penalty within 30 days
after the court approves the settlement.
This settlement is part of EPA's National Enforcement Initiative to control
harmful emissions from large sources of pollution. Through the initiative,
EPA investigated all 15 of the carbon black plants in the U.S. for
violations of the Clean Air Act's Prevention of Significant Deterioration
requirements. With this settlement, six of the 15 facilities will be
covered by consent decrees with EPA. In 2013, EPA announced the first
national carbon black settlement with Boston-based Cabot Corporation, the
second largest carbon black manufacturer in the United States.
More on the settlement:
http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/continental-carbon-company-clean-air-act-settlement
Monday, March 23, 2015
News Clippings 3.23.15
State
USM, research leaders introduced to Point Sur in Panama
WDAM
Three months of preparation and one day of traveling later, leaders with
the University of Southern Mississippi and other research groups officially
toured the newest marine research vessel to make its way to the Gulf of
Mexico.
http://www.wdam.com/story/28583081/usm-research-leaders-introduced-to-point-sur-in-panama
FedEx driver dies in I-20 wreck
Meridian Star
Michael Stewart
Saturday, March 21, 2015 12:26 pm
The driver of a FedEx truck died in an early Saturday morning wreck on
Interstate 20 when the truck he was driving went over a railroad bridge
after striking a disabled car.
http://www.meridianstar.com/news/local_news/fedex-driver-dies-in-i--wreck/article_65656fc0-cfef-11e4-9be7-c3c8472f39f3.html
Water contact advisory lifted in Gulfport
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality lifted a
water contact advisory Saturday that was issued March 19.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/21/6135848/water-contact-advisory-lifted.html
Citizens Start Anti-litter Initiative
Brookhaven Daily Leader
http://www.dailyleader.com/2015/03/20/citizens-start-anti-litter-initiative/
Many activities set for Earth Day
Bolivar Commercial
Earth Day will be celebrated to the fullest degree on April 11 as Keep
Cleveland Beautiful, the City of Cleveland, and Delta State University
Student Government Association join together.
http://www.bolivarcommercial.com/newsx/item/1610-many-activities-set-for-earth-day
Clean Audit Present to PRCUA
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2015/03/clean-audit-presented-to-prcua-bid-accepted-for-contract-services/
Entergy offers energy efficiency rebates
Vicksburg Post
It is one thing to be aware of strategies that can help lower electric
bills, but it becomes a game changer when rebates and financial incentives
are offered to implement the plans. Wednesday, Wayne Ammons spoke to the
members of the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce about incentives
being offered by Entergy Solutions, an Entergy Mississippi program.
http://www.vicksburgpost.com/2015/03/21/entergy-offers-energy-efficiency-rebates/
Analysis: Impact of Pat Harrison court ruling watched
BY JACK ELLIOTT JR.
Associated Press
JACKSON, MISS. — Mike Davis understands the angst felt by the Pat Harrison
Waterway District when member counties leave and take their money with
them.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/22/6133607/analysis-impact-of-pat-harrison.html
Oil Spill
Citizens mobilize to hold BP accountable for lingering oil
Pensacola News Journal
While snowbirds sunned on the beach, Joey Whibbs waded along the edge of
the Gulf of Mexico on Fort Pickens Beach on a recent Sunday, stopping every
few feet and scooping a net into the shifting white sand below the surface.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/environment/2015/03/21/oil-spill-response/25156713/
Regional
DEQ looks to shift focus to take on water bodies in most need of attention
Agency would concentrate on high-priority water bodies
Baton Rouge Advocate
By AMY WOLD
A proposed policy shift that would allow the state Department of
Environmental Quality to concentrate more efforts on improving water
quality in the highest-priority water bodies in the state is out for public
comment.http://theadvocate.com/news/11873399-123/deq-looks-to-shift-focus
Gulf ecosystem reorganized in 1990s climate cycle, website reports
Benjamin Alexander-Bloch
The Times-Picayune
March 20, 2015 at 10:22 AM
The Gulf of Mexico went through a major ecosystem reorganization apparently
tied to a climate shift around 1995, according to an article on Phys.org, a
science, research and technology news website. The naturally occurring
climate cycles, known as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, occur in
the north Atlantic Ocean and switch between cool and warm phases. Each
cycle typically lasts 20 to 40 years, according to the article.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/gulf_of_mexico_marine_food_web.html#incart_river
National
Litigation Awaits New EPA Emissions Rules
Power plants and their backers allege agency didn't consider the cost
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—The Obama administration's initiatives to reduce air pollution
have fared well in several hard-fought legal battles, but a new round of
court challenges could determine whether the White House's most ambitious
efforts will survive.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/litigation-awaits-new-epa-emissions-rules-1427052313
EPA rule on power plant emissions faces formidable hurdle in Supreme Court
LA Times
Twenty-five years in the making, a new nationwide rule is set to take
effect this spring that will sharply restrict coal and oil-fired power
plants from releasing mercury, arsenic and other hazardous pollutants into
the air and, eventually, into rivers and lakes.
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-court-toxic-air-20150323-story.html
New Federal Rules Are Set for Fracking
NY Times
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Friday unveiled
the nation's first major federal regulations on hydraulic
fracturing, a technique for oil and gas drilling that has
led to a significant increase in American energy
production but has also raised concerns about health and
safety risks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/21/us/politics/obama-administration-unveils-federal-fracking-regulations.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Obama administration tightens federal rules on oil and gas fracking
Washington Post
The Obama administration imposed tougher restrictions Friday on oil and gas
"fracking" operations on public lands, seeking to lower the risk of water
contamination from a controversial practice that is chiefly behind the
recent boom in U.S. energy production.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/03/20/obama-administration-tightens-rules-on-oil-and-gas-fracking/
Fracking Rules Unveiled by Obama Administration
New standards for oil and gas wells will address chemical disclosures and
wastewater disposal
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—The Obama administration issued comprehensive rules on hydraulic
fracturing, trying to set a national standard for controversial drilling
practices that have helped fuel the U.S. oil and natural-gas boom.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/fracking-rules-unveiled-by-obama-administration-1426865795?KEYWORDS=fracking
Week ahead: Supreme Court to hear challenge to EPA power plant regs
The Hill
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday in a case that challenges
one of the Obama administration's most significant environmental
regulations.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236466-week-ahead-supreme-court-to-hear-challenge-to-epa-power-plant-regs
New regs for Monday: Childcare, turtles, air pollution
The Hill
Monday's edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for the food
provided at child care facilities, protections for green sea turtles, and
state air pollution standards.
http://thehill.com/regulation/236406-new-regs-for-monday-childcare-turtles-air-pollution
Opinion
Denbury denying Mississippi jobs, tax revenue: Shows
Ronnie Shows
Clarion Ledger
The Feb. 18 article in The Clarion-Ledger, "Investor: Legislation
would free up millions of barrels of Miss. oil," spotlights an
important issue for all Mississippians: the use of the state's
natural resources.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/2015/03/20/denbury-denying-mississippi-jobs-tax-revenue-shows/25086083/
Mississippi energy policy spurs investment: Sullivan
Patrick Sullivan
Clarion Ledger
Mississippi's CO2-based enhanced oil recovery policy is the envy of
the energy nation. Energy policy and business professionals from all
over the world have traveled to Mississippi to see a remarkable
transformation. Energy production from old oil fields is on the rise
here — something few states can claim.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/2015/03/20/mississippi-energy-policy-spurs-investment-sullivan/25086683/
Clean Air Act and Dirty Coal at the Supreme Court
NY Times
The name of the law at issue before the Supreme Court on
Wednesday is the Clean Air Act. It is not the Coal
Industry Protection Act, despite what that industry's
advocates seem to want the justices to believe.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/23/opinion/clean-air-act-and-dirty-coal-at-the-supreme-court.html
USM, research leaders introduced to Point Sur in Panama
WDAM
Three months of preparation and one day of traveling later, leaders with
the University of Southern Mississippi and other research groups officially
toured the newest marine research vessel to make its way to the Gulf of
Mexico.
http://www.wdam.com/story/28583081/usm-research-leaders-introduced-to-point-sur-in-panama
FedEx driver dies in I-20 wreck
Meridian Star
Michael Stewart
Saturday, March 21, 2015 12:26 pm
The driver of a FedEx truck died in an early Saturday morning wreck on
Interstate 20 when the truck he was driving went over a railroad bridge
after striking a disabled car.
http://www.meridianstar.com/news/local_news/fedex-driver-dies-in-i--wreck/article_65656fc0-cfef-11e4-9be7-c3c8472f39f3.html
Water contact advisory lifted in Gulfport
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality lifted a
water contact advisory Saturday that was issued March 19.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/21/6135848/water-contact-advisory-lifted.html
Citizens Start Anti-litter Initiative
Brookhaven Daily Leader
http://www.dailyleader.com/2015/03/20/citizens-start-anti-litter-initiative/
Many activities set for Earth Day
Bolivar Commercial
Earth Day will be celebrated to the fullest degree on April 11 as Keep
Cleveland Beautiful, the City of Cleveland, and Delta State University
Student Government Association join together.
http://www.bolivarcommercial.com/newsx/item/1610-many-activities-set-for-earth-day
Clean Audit Present to PRCUA
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2015/03/clean-audit-presented-to-prcua-bid-accepted-for-contract-services/
Entergy offers energy efficiency rebates
Vicksburg Post
It is one thing to be aware of strategies that can help lower electric
bills, but it becomes a game changer when rebates and financial incentives
are offered to implement the plans. Wednesday, Wayne Ammons spoke to the
members of the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce about incentives
being offered by Entergy Solutions, an Entergy Mississippi program.
http://www.vicksburgpost.com/2015/03/21/entergy-offers-energy-efficiency-rebates/
Analysis: Impact of Pat Harrison court ruling watched
BY JACK ELLIOTT JR.
Associated Press
JACKSON, MISS. — Mike Davis understands the angst felt by the Pat Harrison
Waterway District when member counties leave and take their money with
them.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/22/6133607/analysis-impact-of-pat-harrison.html
Oil Spill
Citizens mobilize to hold BP accountable for lingering oil
Pensacola News Journal
While snowbirds sunned on the beach, Joey Whibbs waded along the edge of
the Gulf of Mexico on Fort Pickens Beach on a recent Sunday, stopping every
few feet and scooping a net into the shifting white sand below the surface.
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/environment/2015/03/21/oil-spill-response/25156713/
Regional
DEQ looks to shift focus to take on water bodies in most need of attention
Agency would concentrate on high-priority water bodies
Baton Rouge Advocate
By AMY WOLD
A proposed policy shift that would allow the state Department of
Environmental Quality to concentrate more efforts on improving water
quality in the highest-priority water bodies in the state is out for public
comment.http://theadvocate.com/news/11873399-123/deq-looks-to-shift-focus
Gulf ecosystem reorganized in 1990s climate cycle, website reports
Benjamin Alexander-Bloch
The Times-Picayune
March 20, 2015 at 10:22 AM
The Gulf of Mexico went through a major ecosystem reorganization apparently
tied to a climate shift around 1995, according to an article on Phys.org, a
science, research and technology news website. The naturally occurring
climate cycles, known as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, occur in
the north Atlantic Ocean and switch between cool and warm phases. Each
cycle typically lasts 20 to 40 years, according to the article.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/gulf_of_mexico_marine_food_web.html#incart_river
National
Litigation Awaits New EPA Emissions Rules
Power plants and their backers allege agency didn't consider the cost
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—The Obama administration's initiatives to reduce air pollution
have fared well in several hard-fought legal battles, but a new round of
court challenges could determine whether the White House's most ambitious
efforts will survive.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/litigation-awaits-new-epa-emissions-rules-1427052313
EPA rule on power plant emissions faces formidable hurdle in Supreme Court
LA Times
Twenty-five years in the making, a new nationwide rule is set to take
effect this spring that will sharply restrict coal and oil-fired power
plants from releasing mercury, arsenic and other hazardous pollutants into
the air and, eventually, into rivers and lakes.
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-court-toxic-air-20150323-story.html
New Federal Rules Are Set for Fracking
NY Times
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Friday unveiled
the nation's first major federal regulations on hydraulic
fracturing, a technique for oil and gas drilling that has
led to a significant increase in American energy
production but has also raised concerns about health and
safety risks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/21/us/politics/obama-administration-unveils-federal-fracking-regulations.html?ref=earth&_r=0
Obama administration tightens federal rules on oil and gas fracking
Washington Post
The Obama administration imposed tougher restrictions Friday on oil and gas
"fracking" operations on public lands, seeking to lower the risk of water
contamination from a controversial practice that is chiefly behind the
recent boom in U.S. energy production.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/03/20/obama-administration-tightens-rules-on-oil-and-gas-fracking/
Fracking Rules Unveiled by Obama Administration
New standards for oil and gas wells will address chemical disclosures and
wastewater disposal
Wall Street Journal
WASHINGTON—The Obama administration issued comprehensive rules on hydraulic
fracturing, trying to set a national standard for controversial drilling
practices that have helped fuel the U.S. oil and natural-gas boom.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/fracking-rules-unveiled-by-obama-administration-1426865795?KEYWORDS=fracking
Week ahead: Supreme Court to hear challenge to EPA power plant regs
The Hill
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday in a case that challenges
one of the Obama administration's most significant environmental
regulations.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236466-week-ahead-supreme-court-to-hear-challenge-to-epa-power-plant-regs
New regs for Monday: Childcare, turtles, air pollution
The Hill
Monday's edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for the food
provided at child care facilities, protections for green sea turtles, and
state air pollution standards.
http://thehill.com/regulation/236406-new-regs-for-monday-childcare-turtles-air-pollution
Opinion
Denbury denying Mississippi jobs, tax revenue: Shows
Ronnie Shows
Clarion Ledger
The Feb. 18 article in The Clarion-Ledger, "Investor: Legislation
would free up millions of barrels of Miss. oil," spotlights an
important issue for all Mississippians: the use of the state's
natural resources.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/2015/03/20/denbury-denying-mississippi-jobs-tax-revenue-shows/25086083/
Mississippi energy policy spurs investment: Sullivan
Patrick Sullivan
Clarion Ledger
Mississippi's CO2-based enhanced oil recovery policy is the envy of
the energy nation. Energy policy and business professionals from all
over the world have traveled to Mississippi to see a remarkable
transformation. Energy production from old oil fields is on the rise
here — something few states can claim.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/2015/03/20/mississippi-energy-policy-spurs-investment-sullivan/25086683/
Clean Air Act and Dirty Coal at the Supreme Court
NY Times
The name of the law at issue before the Supreme Court on
Wednesday is the Clean Air Act. It is not the Coal
Industry Protection Act, despite what that industry's
advocates seem to want the justices to believe.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/23/opinion/clean-air-act-and-dirty-coal-at-the-supreme-court.html
Friday, March 20, 2015
News Clippings 3.20.15
Council Asked to Consider Adopting Part of Superfund Site
Picayune Item
http://www.picayuneitem.com/2015/03/council-asked-to-consider-adopting-part-of-superfund-site/
Harrison Co. Utility Authority working towards funding plan for waste water
plants
WLOX
The waste water facility on Shorecrest Road in Biloxi cost in the
neighborhood of $21 million. As of today, the facility is serving a limited
amount of customers.
http://www.wlox.com/story/28566683/harrison-co-utility-authority-working-towards-funding-plan-for-waste-water-plants
Harrison County Utility Authority considers running water system
BY PAUL HAMPTON
Sun Herald
GULFPORT -- The Harrison County Utility Authority would take over the
operation and maintenance of its water system under a plan pitched Thursday
by its executive director.
http://www.sunherald.com/2015/03/19/6132343/harrison-county-utility-authority.html
Golden Triangle sales tax rises
Commercial Dispatch
West Point received $162,179 in sales tax this month, down $6,280 from its
March 2014 collections. That number, though, according to Mayor Robbie
Robinson, does not reflect a bond payment the city makes for a critical
infrastructure project.
Robinson said the city borrowed more than $5 million in 2013 from the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to rebuild a mechanical
wastewater treatment facility. The city will repay that loan over 20 years,
he said.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=40817
Court affirms Lamar County cost to leave water district
Hattiesburg American
Like the parties in the case before it, Mississippi Supreme Court
justices differed over the interpretation of the phrase "contractual
obligations … that are outstanding."
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/lamar-county/2015/03/19/mississippi-supreme-court-rules-pat-harrison-case/25034275/
Regional
AG Strange Announces Alabama Challenging EPA's Ozone Standard
WTVY
Montgomery, AL Attorney General Luther Strange announced that Alabama has
joined thirteen other States in submitting comments to the U.S.
Environmental Protection(Embedded image moved to file: pic17035.jpg) Agency
(EPA) critical of the agency's recent proposal to tighten the ozone air
quality standard to a costly and unachievable level.
http://www.wtvy.com/news/alabama/headlines/AG-Strange-Announces-Alabama-Challenging-EPAs-Ozone-Standard-296907201.html
National
McConnell to states: EPA climate rule is illegal
The Hill
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is doubling down on his
advice that states ignore the Obama administration's climate rule for power
plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236356-mcconnell-to-states-epa-climate-rule-is-illegal
White House slams McConnell on EPA
The Hill
The White House is excoriating Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
(R-Ky.) for advising states to ignore the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) climate rule for power plants.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/236393-white-house-mcconnell-advice-on-epa-inappropriate
California bars BP from some clean-up funds over alleged double-billing
AP
SACRAMENTO — California officials say oil giant BP double-billed the
government and insurance companies for clean-up of old gas-storage sites.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/094512aa05bc40daab9d4b40685ba0eb/CA--BP-Double-Billing
Obama to unveil fracking rules
The Interior Department is set to announce major restrictions on the
controversial drilling technique. Expect blowback.
Politico
By Elana Schor
3/19/15 7:30 PM EDT
The Obama administration is set to unveil the first major nationwide safety
restrictions on fracking, touching off a fresh political confrontation
between the president and his critics in Congress and the energy industry.
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/interiors-fracking-rules-ready-for-launch-116241.html
U.S. oil groups sue EPA over delays in biofuel standard
Reuters
Thu, Mar 19 2015
By Ayesha Rascoe
(Reuters) - The U.S. oil and gas industry has sued the Environmental
Protection Agency over repeated delays in the release of 2014 and 2015
biofuel use targets, intensifying pressure on the agency to speed up its
work on standards for renewable fuel.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/19/usa-energy-biofuels-idUSL2N0WL1FE20150319
Opinion
EPA plan would hurt Mississippi: Martin
Clarion Ledger
Mississippi is finally showing signs of a recovery from the
devastating impact of the "great recession." Incomes and investment
are beginning to grow again. The recovery is still fragile, however.
The state is a long way from recovering all of the jobs it lost, and
job growth in 2014 was the ninth lowest in the nation.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/03/19/epa-plan-hurt-mississippi-martin/25030391/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)