State
Grants aimed at assessing brownfield sites Meridian Star
The 5 most expensive coastal restoration projects in Louisiana's master plan
Times-Picayune
As officials seek full recovery of the once disastrously depleted red snapper population in the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf states are considering a proposed compromise on a contentious three-day federal red snapper season for recreational anglers.
http://www.sunherald.com/sports/outdoors/article155820984.html National
EPA delays chemical safety rule until 2019 The Hill
One cost of making climate change a religion is that more immediate environmental problems have been ignored—not least by the Environmental Protection Agency. New EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt plans to address that in an underreported effort to clean up toxic waste sites under the so-called Superfund program.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/cleaning-up-the-superfund-mess-1497309104 This is what the U.S.’s new global isolation on climate change looks like Washington Post
EPA Extends RMP Effective Date to 2019 06/12/2017
Contact Information:
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press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON (June 12, 2017) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt signed a final rule to further delay the effective date of EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) Amendments an additional 20 months to allow the agency to conduct a reconsideration proceeding and to consider other issues that may benefit from additional comment. The new effective date of the rule is February 19, 2019.
“We are seeking additional time to review the program, so that we can fully evaluate the public comments raised by multiple petitioners and consider other issues that may benefit from additional public input,"
said Administrator Scott Pruitt.
Administrator Pruitt’s action to extend the effective date of the amendments until February 19, 2019, will allow the Agency time to evaluate the RMP Amendments. The Agency will consider the relevant questions and concerns submitted to the Agency through multiple petitions and other comments received during the public comment period and public hearing.
For more information on the Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule visit:
www.epa.gov/rmp/final-amendments-risk-management-program-rmp-rule.
Administrator Pruitt Promotes Importance of International Engagement at First G7 Meeting 06/11/2017
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Bologna, Italy – U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt attended his first G7 Environmental Ministerial Meeting, taking part in thoughtful bilateral discussions with his G7 counterparts.
Less than two weeks after President Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Accord, Administrator Pruitt emphasized now is the time to move forward with a discussion to find ways to positively engage with other countries in order to protect and use our natural resources.
"The United States has always been a world leader when it comes to environmental stewardship, and that was demonstrated on a global stage today," Administrator Pruitt said. "I believe engaging in international discussion is of the utmost importance to the United States when it comes to environmental issues. I want to thank the government of Italy and Minister Galletti for the tremendous hospitality and leadership over this meeting."
"The protection of the environment and public health," said Italian Minister of the Environment Gian Luca Galletti, "is a common goal for Italy and the United States. There are many themes that see our common commitment. The presence of Administrator Pruitt at the G7 Environment in Bologna has been a very important element that allowed us to start constructive dialogue on all environmental issues as well as to open new channels of business cooperation between our two countries."
Administrator Pruitt returned to the United States Sunday evening in order to attend the President's first full cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday.
United States Resets Climate Change Discussion At G7 U.S. Formally Joins Communiqué, Reaching Consensus On Important Environmental Issues 06/12/2017
Bologna, Italy – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt announced that the United States stands firm on its decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and has reset the conversation about climate change reflective of the new priorities of the Trump Administration and the expectations of the American people.
“Respective of the importance to engage with longstanding allies and key international partners, we approached the climate discussions head on from a position of strength and clarity. We are resetting the dialogue to say Paris is not the only way forward to making progress. Today's action of reaching consensus makes clear that the Paris Agreement is not the only mechanism by which environmental stewardship can be demonstrated. It also demonstrates our commitment to honest conversations, which are the cornerstone of constructive international dialogue, " said Administrator Scott Pruitt.
While a party to the communiqué, the United States did not join the climate change sections, explicitly stating:
We the United States of America continue to demonstrate through action, having reduced our CO2 footprint as demonstrated by achieving pre-1994 CO2 levels domestically. The United States will continue to engage with key international partners in a manner that is consistent with our domestic priorities, preserving both a strong economy and a healthy environment. Accordingly, we the United States do not join those sections of the communiqué on climate and MDBs, reflecting our recent announcement to withdraw and immediately cease implementation of the Paris Agreement and associated financial commitment.
The United States and its G7 counterparts found common ground engaging in robust and constructive dialogue regarding other, equally important environmental issues. The United States joined consensus throughout the communiqué including the sections discussing resource efficiency, marine litter, and environmental policies and jobs.
“The United States will continue to show leadership by offering action-oriented solutions to the world's environmental challenges. We have indicated a willingness to engage on an international stage that stands to greatly benefit from American ingenuity, innovation, and advanced technologies. We have already demonstrated significant progress towards mitigating environmental problems and we will continue to develop these for the benefit of all nations," Administrator Pruitt said.
BACKGROUND ... G7 Bologna Environment Ministers’ Meeting’s Press Release “We, the G7 Environment Ministers and high representatives, and European Commissioners responsible for environment and climate, met in Bologna on 11-12 June 2017. We were joined by heads and senior officials of International Organizations and by representatives of universities and firms.” (G7 Bologna Environment Ministers’ Meeting,
Press Release, 06/12/17)
