State
Trump's EPA head visits the C-L, addresses water, energy in Mississippi
Clarion Ledger
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt visited Mississippi Thursday to discuss proposed changes to the Waters of the United States rule, just days after announcing the repeal of the Clean Power Plan.
Exclusive Interview: EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on overturning the Clean Power Plan
NewsMS
The Trump administration and Scott Pruitt, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, overturned the Clean Power Plan (CPP) earlier this week.
MDEQ reopens three sections of beach in Hancock Co.
WLOX
HANCOCK COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -Sections of the Mississippi beachfront closed after Hurricane Nate are starting to reopen. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality announced Friday three areas in Hancock County are now safe to enjoy.
DMR reports no damage to MS oyster reefs from Hurricane Nate
WLOX
MISSISSIPPI SOUND (WLOX) -Just when it looked like fishermen would be hammered again, they got some encouraging news.
Mississippi Power's 'Renew our River' returns for 12th year to clean-up Pascagoula river
Mississippi Press
ESCATAWPA, Miss. -- More than 100 volunteers gathered together on Thursday to clean up the waterways for Mississippi Power's 12th annual Renew our River clean-up of the Pascagoula river.
MS Power volunteers clean Pascagoula River
WLOX
JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -By the end of the day, the shores of the Pascagoula River will be a little bit cleaner, thanks to the annual Renew Our Rivers campaign.
Nate leaves behind questions about rebuilding piers
WLOX
HARRISON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -Damage assessments from Hurricane Nate continue along the Coast, including an amenity that many believe is part of Coast culture - fishing piers on front beach.
Corrective action being taken after mishandling of Hattiesburg recycling program
WDAM
HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -Corrective actions are now in place following the investigation into the mishandling of recycling in some areas of Hattiesburg's Ward 4. Mayor Toby Barker announced at a press conference at City Hall on Thursday that it was a broken system failing about 150 residents.
Hattiesburg recycling participants offered credits, refunds after violations found in program
Hattiesburg American
About 10 percent of Hattiesburg residents who voluntarily participate in the city's recycling program will be eligible for refunds or account credits up to nearly $90, Mayor Toby Barker announced Thursday.
Trash problem in Lincoln County is ‘far worse than you can imagine’
Daily Leader
It’s not unusual for Bob Knight and Joshua Loftin to fill a truckbed every day with garbage collected on the side of Lincoln County roads. Some of the litter is piled up around “No Dumping” signs.
...That’s a problem that brings on the wrath of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
Calhoun County farmer says wild hogs are causing problems
WTVA
Calhoun County, Miss (WTVA) -- Wild hogs are reportedly running rampant and residents say the problem is getting increasingly worse.
State Government
State Fire Marshal’s office will allow Eudora Welty Library to reopen Monday
WJTV
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) — The State Fire Marshal’s Office inspected the Eudora Welty Library again Thursday and will allow the library to open it’s first floor only on Monday from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Regional
Giant overflow basin to ease Mobile sewage spills
Al.com
Mobile's water system shared a sneak preview Thursday of a multimillion-dollar construction project designed to prevent storm-driven sewage overflows into Halls Mill Creek.
National
EPA tells Puerto Ricans not to drink water from hazardous waste sites
The Hill
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is warning Puerto Rico residents not to drink from wells at so-called Superfund sites amid reports that some on the island have sought water from the hazardous waste areas.
Trump nominates AccuWeather CEO to run NOAA
The Hill
President Trump has chosen Barry Myers, the CEO of the private weather forecaster AccuWeather, to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Judge approves $1.6 billion plan to repair Baltimore sewers
AP
A federal judge has approved a $1.6 billion plan to repair Baltimore's aged sewer system and stop wastewater from leaking into the Inner Harbor.
La Niña is expected this winter. What will that mean for our weather?
USA Today
La Niña, the cooler sibling of El Niño, is likely to form over the next few months, federal government forecasters said Thursday.
Press Releases
Administrator Pruitt Visits Mississippi
Announces Regulatory Action on Pesticide Dicamba
10/12/2017
Jackson, Miss. – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt met with Governor Phil Bryant, farmers and other state leaders to discuss ways to strengthen partnerships with EPA. During the visit, Administrator Pruitt announced that EPA is working on an agreement with the manufacturers of the pesticide dicamba to minimize the potential for drift to damage neighboring crops from the use of the pesticide – an agreement that will allow cotton and soybean farmers to make informed choices for seed purchases for the 2018 growing season.
“Our job at EPA is not to look at folks in Mississippi as adversaries, but as partners,” said Administrator Pruitt. “It is of the utmost importance to continue to collaborate with state and local leaders to provide American farmers and ranchers the regulatory certainty they deserve.”
“Mississippi farmers are the original conservationists,” said Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. “I am grateful for Administrator Pruitt’s commitment to working with us to develop strategies that will strengthen agriculture in Mississippi while protecting our environment.”
Administrator Pruitt began his trip with a stop at the State Capitol where he met with Governor Bryant and other state leaders. Following their meeting, Administrator Pruitt and Governor Bryant hosted a roundtable along with Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President Mike McCormick, and other stakeholders to discuss EPA’s recent proposal to rescind the 2015 “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule to help ensure regulatory certainty and prioritize keeping America’s water clean.
After the roundtable, Administrator Pruitt and Governor Bryant departed for Gaddis Farms in Bolton where the Administrator announced EPA’s regulatory action on dicamba and took questions from farmers.
EPA Appoints Jim Gulliford as Region 7 Administrator
10/12/2017
Contact Information:
WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the appointment of Jim Gulliford of Missouri to become regional administrator for Region 7. Mr. Gulliford will oversee environmental protection efforts in: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. He previously held the position of regional administrator for Region 7 from 2001-2006.
Jim Gulliford most recently held the position of executive director of the Soil and Water Conservation Society where he led the organization from 2009-2016. He was responsible for all operation aspects of the non-profit organization that advocated for conservation professionals and for science-based conservation practices, programs, and policy. The organization’s mission is to foster the science and art of natural resource conservation on working land – land used to produce food, fiber, and other services that improve the quality of life people experience in rural and urban communities.
Prior to joining Soil and Water Conservation Society, Mr. Gulliford spent nearly a decade at EPA. From 2006-2009, he served as EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances where he was responsible for helping protect public health and the environment from potential risks of pesticides and chemicals. Mr. Gulliford also served as director of the Division of Soil Conservation at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for 15 years, where he was responsible for the development and management of soil conservation, water quality, and mine regulation for the state if Iowa.
“Jim Gulliford is unquestionably qualified to lead EPA Region 7,” said EPA Administration Scott Pruitt. “Not only has Jim dedicated his entire career to protecting the environment and ensuring healthier outcomes for Americans, but he has already demonstrated to be a competent leader for Region 7 during the Bush Administration.”
His nomination is receiving high accolades from across the region:
Joel Brinkmeyer, CEO, Agribusiness Association of Iowa: “The selection of Jim Gulliford for EPA’s Region 7 Administrator is a great choice by this administration in their efforts to accelerate environmental advancement while enhancing production agriculture. Jim will be able to immediately step up to meet the challenges of the office due to his past successful leadership experience in this same position during the Bush Administration, followed by his experience in Washington DC in the office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances at EPA, and as the CEO for the National Soil and Water Conservation Society. Jim has tremendous understanding of how soil and water resources can best benefit production agriculture, and enhance high quality food production without damaging the environment. In fact, Jim understands that with the right tools and resources, positive impacts can be made to the environment as agriculture continues to improve the technology of modern food production systems. Jim’s strong network of midwestern leaders and the scientific community, combined with his positive work ethic, will enhance working relationships with persons of diverse interests to the benefit of urban and rural citizens alike.
“I look forward to working with Administrator Gulliford through the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, and our members, to bring positive solutions to environmental and production challenges.”
Jim Macy, Director, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality: “EPA Region 7 will be well served by the appointment of Jim Gulliford. Jim is a strong leader in conservation and will bring a voice of reason and cooperation for Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. Nebraska DEQ is ready to work with Jim Gulliford to further improve Federal and State relationships in the true spirit of cooperative federalism.”
Rex Martin, Chairman of the Board, Soil and Water Conservation Society: “I have been very fortunate to have worked with Jim for many years including his former roles as EPA Region 7 Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA and as the Executive Director at the Soil and Water Conservation Society. Jim has been successful at applying practical environmental practices on the ground based on sound science while allowing local stakeholder’s real world input to drive those activities. Jim’s strong work ethic, integrity and transparency makes him an excellent choice for this leadership role.”
Steve Taylor, President and Executive Director, Missouri Agribusiness Association: “I am extremely pleased that Jim Gulliford is returning as administrator of EPA Region 7. Over the past three decades, I have worked with Jim on a variety of issues and projects involving water quality and agriculture. Over these years, Jim has been a valuable partner and he has understood the need to keep agriculture profitable as we protected the environment. I look forward to once again working with Jim on the environmental issues that face agriculture today.”
Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University: “Jim Gulliford brings a tremendous portfolio of knowledge, experience and highly competent leadership to the position of EPA Region 7 Administrator. His previous service on behalf of EPA allows him to step in and begin the vital responsibilities of the position immediately. Jim understands the complexity of environmental issues and the importance of collaboration and communication with partners and stakeholders. He leads with science to guide and ground his work, and that is a common foundation we share in how progress is made.”
