State
USM scientists connect with Cuba over coastal research
Sun Herald
OCEAN SPRINGS
It's been a year of making connections between South Mississippi and Cuba.
The latest group to visit was a team of scientists from University of Southern Mississippi and its Gulf Coast Research Laboratory.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/education/article120508548.html
High-tech collars used in deer study
Clarion Ledger
As interesting as the deer movement study being conducted by the Mississippi State University Deer Lab is, so are the collars that are being placed on the bucks. A blend of new and old technology, the collars track, record and even send out a notification when a buck dies.
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/2016/12/12/high-tech-collars-used-deer-study/95331714/
Is your photo in the new DMR calendar?
Sun Herald
The Department of Marine Resources' 2017 Marine Information Calendar is now available at locations across the Coast.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/article120383163.html
Legislature must act to free up to $79 million
Mississippi Today
Up to $79 million in special funds from as many as 27 different programs is trapped and unable to be spent until the Legislature takes action in 2017, Mississippi Today has learned.
http://mississippitoday.org/2016/12/12/legislature-must-act-to-free-up-to-79-million/
Oil Spill
Gulf Whale Could Soon Be Listed As Endangered
WLRN
One of the rarest and least-known species of whales off of Florida's Gulf Coast could soon be listed as a threatened or endangered species.
http://wlrn.org/post/gulf-whale-could-soon-be-listed-endangered
National
Donald Trump Chooses Rick Perry to be Energy Secretary
CBS
Donald Trump has selected Rick Perry to be energy secretary, according to two sources directly involved in the transition and selection process.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-rick-perry-energy-secretary/
Trump Transition Adds More EPA, Energy Advisers to Team
Bloomberg
President-elect Donald Trump's transition team named a former George W. Bush climate negotiator to the Environmental Protection Agency landing team and other former Bush officials to the Energy and Interior department teams.
https://www.bna.com/trump-transition-adds-n73014448398/
In Exxon Case, Judge Cancels Massachusetts AG's Dallas Deposition
Earlier order from Texas federal district judge required Maura Healey's appearance on Tuesday to answer questions under oath on climate-change probe
WSJ
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey won't have to be deposed in Dallas on Tuesday in a lawsuit by Exxon Mobil Corp. against her office after a federal district judge reversed his earlier order.
EPA proposes new rule to reduce emissions at Texas power plants
Houston Chronicle
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday proposed a rule aimed at reducing carbon emissions from 18 Texas power plants, many of which have been part of a yearslong battle over air quality control in the state.
EPA approves DuPont Lumisena fungicide seed treatment for soybeans and sunflowers
DuPont's Lumisena fungicide provides new mode of action for controlling phytophthora and downy mildew in soybeans and sunflowers.
Delta Farm Press
DuPont recently received registration approval from the Environmental Protection Agency for DuPont Lumisena fungicide seed treatment, the newest member of the DuPont seed applied technology portfolio. Lumisena fungicide seed treatment improves crop establishment and stand uniformity by controlling phytophthora in soybeans and downy mildew in sunflower crops.
Bill Gates to lead $1B clean energy investment fund
The Hill
Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates is leading a team of high-profile investors in launching an investment fund to commercialize clean energy technologies.
Opinion
Serious scrutiny needed as EPA seeks input on cancer ties to Monsanto herbicide
BY CAREY GILLAM, CONTRIBUTOR - 12/12/16
The Hill
The glyphosate geeks are gathering in Washington this week. After a two-month delay, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding four days of meetings aimed at examining the evidence that does or does not tie the world's most widely used herbicide — glyphosate — to cancer.
Press Releases
EPA Requires Stronger Standards for Applying the Riskiest Pesticides
Improved training and minimum age requirements will help protect people and the environment.
WASHINGTON--Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing standards for applicators who apply restricted-use pesticides that are not available for purchase by the general public, and require special handling.
"We are committed to keeping our communities safe, protecting our environment and protecting workers and their families," said Jim Jones, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "By improving training and certification, those who apply these restricted use pesticides will have better knowledge and ability to use these pesticides safely."
Today's action will reduce the likelihood of harm from the misapplication because the pesticides may only be applied by a certified applicator or someone working under their direct supervision. EPA's stricter standards would require all people who are certified to apply restricted use pesticides to be at least 18 years of age. These certifications must be renewed every five years.
EPA is requiring specialized licensing for certain methods such as fumigation and aerial application that can pose greater risks if not conducted properly. For further protection, those working under the supervision of certified applicators will now receive training to use pesticides safely and to protect their families from "take-home" pesticide exposure.
EPA expects the benefits of this rule to include fewer acute pesticide incidents to people, reduced chronic exposure and reduced incidents of ecological harm from pesticide use.
States and Tribes may issue licenses to pesticide applicators with an EPA-approved program who can demonstrate the ability to use these products safely. The final action also updates requirements for state programs and for applicators obtaining licenses. Many states already have in place some of the stronger requirements of today's action.
The final rule includes flexibility for states to continue portions of their existing programs that are equivalent to the revised rule. EPA will work with states to review and approve updated certification plans.
Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/revised-certification-standards-pesticide-applicators
