State
Board of supervisors moves to create poultry committee
Monroe Journal
ABERDEEN – Rarely do board of supervisors issues fall short of a unanimous vote, but the ongoing question of a potential poultry ordinance created just that Nov. 9.
...JoAnn Bradley of Smithville questioned the board about the lack of communication whenever a poultry operation permit is granted through the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. The board doesn’t have authority for permitting or giving such notice. Richardson said he has started the dialogue with state legislators to improve communication with MDEQ.
On-farm water storage can help ease drought risk
Delta Farm Press
Are on-farm water storage reservoirs for crop irrigation economically feasible? The answer, says Dr. Brian Williams, Extension assistant professor of agricultural economics at Mississippi State University: “It depends.”
Mike Sturdivant: 2017 Mississippi Farmer of the Year
Delta Farm Press
The small town of Glendora is 38 miles due west of Grenada in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, and home to Due West Farm, where on any given day you will find Mike Sturdivant III, the state winner of the 2017 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award.
Keep Ridgeland Beautiful members attend annual multi-state conference
Madison County Journal
Mississippi and Alabama share many of the same values and qualities — traits such as southern charm, warm hospitality, and friendly cooperation. This was evident as Mississippi and Alabama joined forces, once again, to host the annual Keep Mississippi/Alabama Beautiful Conference. Each year, the two sister-states alternate in sponsoring the important event.
Report: Alabama, N.C. finalists for Toyota-Mazda plant
Daily Journal
Mississippi could be out of the running to land a $1.6 billion automotive plant jointly run by Toyota and Mazda.
Oil Spill
Governor wants to wait for a big-impact project to spend BP money
Sun Herald
People on the Coast worried that upstate politicians would raid the BP settlement for economic damages might find some solace in the governor’s budget recommendation for next year’s legislative session.
Gov. Bryant: Put BP settlement money into reserve fund
WLOX
MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) -In his Fiscal Year 2019 budget recommendation, Gov. Phil Bryant asks legislators to put BP settlement money in a reserve fund.
BP OIL MONEY RESTORATION PROJECTS
WXXV
It’s been over seven years since the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, but money from BP continues to flow into the area.
$33 million in BP money dedicated to coastal restoration projects and land purchases
Al.com
Another $33 million related to the BP oil spill settlement is coming to Alabama, earmarked for land acquisition, habitat restoration and preservation of coastal resources.
Regional
MLGW Says Drinking Water Is Safe Despite EPA Findings
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) - MLGW leaders are reassuring the public about the safety in the drinking water from your tap. Late Tuesday afternoon, MLGW President Jerry Collins downplayed the discovery by the EPA of a chemical deep below the ground of a former dry cleaners near University of Memphis, and close to a MLGW facility.
Conservationists urge action by Louisiana to restore, protect critical Maurepas Swamp
The Advocate
MANCHAC — In the distance, a few wading birds drifted over the tree stumps in the Maurepas swamp; others perched in the bleached and broken boughs of a few dead cypresses. In places, the swamp and sky meet at the horizon, an open landscape devoid of the tall tupelos that once thrived here.
National
How Companies Are Pushing Ahead on Climate-Change Targets
More global firms pledge to cut carbon emissions to cut costs, draw investment and get ahead of new laws
WSJ
More of the world’s biggest corporations are taking the fight against climate change into their own hands, aiming to cut their energy costs, pre-empt regulation or burnish their reputations with investors and customers.
U.S. biofuels policy contributes to global warming: study
Reuters
U.S. renewable fuel mandates are contributing to global warming, boosting carbon emissions as farmers turn carbon-rich areas like wetlands and forests into cropland to grow corn, soy and wheat for biofuels production, a study presented on Wednesday said.
Pope rebukes climate deniers as 'perverse' in Bonn message
AP
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis on Thursday rebuked those who deny the science behind global warming and urged negotiators at climate talks in Germany to avoid falling prey to such "perverse attitudes" and instead accelerate efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Francis issued a message to the Bonn meeting, which is working to implement the 2015 Paris accord aimed at capping global emissions.
Senate confirms Trump’s mine safety pick
The Hill
The Senate voted Wednesday to confirm David Zatezalo, a former coal mining executive who faced harsh criticism over his company’s safety record, to lead the federal government’s mine safety agency.
Broadcasting underwater noise may be a sound solution for repelling Asian carp on Mississippi River
Courier Press
How can Asian carp be stopped? That is the question that biologists and other researchers have been working on for many years in their continuing quest to deter the invasive species from advancing up the Upper Mississippi and many other rivers.
Chronic wasting disease threatens deer population, hunting season
Fox News
Deer hunting season is here and it’s off to a shaky start.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been found in a number of does and deer in at least three different states – Wyoming, Montana and Michigan.
Press Releases
EPA Celebrates Recycling Progress and Economic Contribution on 20th America Recycles Day
11/15/2017
WASHINGTON (November 15, 2017) — Today, on the 20th America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrates the importance of recycling to our nation’s economy.
Secretary Zinke Applauds President Trump’s Nomination of Tim Petty for Interior Department
Petty brings decades of scientific work, and diverse Alaska, California, and Idaho experience to Interior
11/14/2017
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of Dr. Timothy R. Petty to be the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science at the U.S. Department of the Interior. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke cheered the nomination. The Assistant Secretary for Water and Science is responsible for overseeing the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR).
