News Clippings October 30, 2020

State Gov. Reeves tours Zeta damage in South Mississippi, thanks first responders WLOX BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) - Governor Tate Reeves is confident Hurricane Zeta’s damage in South Mississippi will warrant a federal disaster declaration, and bring with it the federal assistance so many people will likely need to fully recover. https://www.wlox.com/2020/10/29/gov-reeves-tours-zeta-damage-south-mississippi/ Burn ban in effect for Harrison County WLOX HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) - Harrison County Fire Chief Pat Sullivan and Harrison County EMA Director Rupert Lacy have issued a temporary emergency burn ban for Harrison County. https://www.wlox.com/2020/10/29/burn-ban-effect-harrison-county/ Hurricane Zeta was an unexpected behemoth storm. How did it become so strong, so fast? NOLA.com Hurricane Zeta’s rapid ascent to near Category 3 strength at landfall in Louisiana was caused in part by the very weather system that was supposed to tear it apart, a senior forecaster at the National Hurricane Center said Thursday.  https://www.nola.com/news/environment/article_4a981c3c-1a36-11eb-b5e9-e7647b534e44.html Jackson neighborhood surprises sanitation workers with ‘Thank You’ WJTV JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A Jackson community stepped up to say ‘Thank You’ to the people who pick up trash. https://www.wjtv.com/news/jackson-neighborhood-surprises-sanitation-workers-with-thank-you/ State Government The do's and don'ts of voter etiquette in Miss. during the COVID-19 pandemic MPB Voters across Mississippi may experience long lines at polling places next week when they cast their ballots. Here's what to expect when you arrive at the polls. https://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/the-dos-and-donts-of-voter-etiquette-in-miss-during-the-covid19-pandemic/ National Lawsuit seeks updated standards for industrial pollution controls The Hill A coalition of 10 environmental groups is suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeking to compel it to update standards for pollution control devices for facilities including petrochemical plants, gas processing facilities and municipal solid waste landfills. https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/523354-lawsuit-seeks-updated-standards-for-industrial-pollution-controls EPA limits enforcement of pesticide application boundaries The Hill The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday finalized a rule that narrows the areas where farmers are required to limit human presence during the application of pesticides.  https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/523442-epa-limits-enforcement-pesticide-application-boundaries Big Bets on Ship Exhaust Systems Cast a Cloud Over Vessel Owners WSJ Shipowners have invested billions of dollars retrofitting vessels with sulfur trapping exhaust systems to abide by stricter clean air rules, but their investment may not pay off as oil prices stay low and cleaner fuels become more available. https://www.wsj.com/articles/big-bets-on-ship-exhaust-systems-cast-a-cloud-over-vessel-owners-11604052003?mod=business_lead_pos13 Gray Wolves To Be Removed From Endangered Species List NPR Gray wolves, a species that has long been vilified and admired, will no longer receive federal protections under the Endangered Species Act in the Lower 48 U.S. states, the Trump administration announced Thursday. https://www.npr.org/2020/10/29/929095979/gray-wolves-to-be-removed-from-endangered-species-list Press releases USGS Estimates Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources in the Austin Chalk Formation of the U.S. Gulf Coast USGS The Austin Chalk and Tokio and Eutaw Formations of the Gulf Coast Basin contain a mean of 6.9 billion barrels of oil and 41.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas according to a new assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey. In comparison, the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that the United States used 7.5 billion barrels of petroleum products in 2019. https://www.usgs.gov/news/usgs-estimates-undiscovered-oil-and-gas-resources-austin-chalk-formation-us-gulf-coast EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Vulnerable Communities from Lead-Based Paint Health Hazards - 2020 10/29/2020 WASHINGTON (October 29, 2020) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today highlighted 89 of its federal enforcement actions from October 2019 through September 2020 to ensure that entities such as renovation contractors, landlords and realtors comply with rules that protect the public from exposure to lead from lead-based paint.  https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-enforcement-actions-help-protect-vulnerable-communities-lead-based-paint-health-2 Connect with us ‌ ‌ ‌

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News Clippings October 29, 2020

State Live updates: Hurricane Zeta leaves damage across South Mississippi Sun Herald South Mississippi residents are waking up to damage left behind by Hurricane Zeta, which rolled through the area Wednesday night with rain, strong winds and storm surge. https://www.sunherald.com/news/weather-news/article246799152.html Zeta barrels northeast after battering storm-weary coast AP NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A fast-moving Zeta weakened to a tropical storm as it ripped through the South on Thursday morning, killing at least two, knocking out power to more than 2 million across the region and prompting a rare tropical storm warning for Atlanta. https://www.wlox.com/2020/10/29/zeta-barrels-northeast-after-battering-storm-weary-coast/ Hurricane Zeta damage reports coming in from across Pine Belt WDAM PINE BELT (WDAM) - Damage reports from Hurricane Zeta are starting to trickle in from across the Pine Belt. https://www.wdam.com/2020/10/28/hurricane-zeta-damage-reports-coming-across-pine-belt/ President Trump approves Mississippi’s Hurricane Zeta emergency declaration WLBT JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday evening that President Trump has approved Mississippi’s Hurricane Zeta emergency declaration. https://www.wlbt.com/2020/10/28/president-trump-approves-mississippis-hurricane-zeta-emergency-declaration/ 240 cubic yards of illegally dumped trash collected from Capers Ave. WLBT JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Over 240 cubic yards of illegally dumped trash was picked up in Jackson. https://www.wlbt.com/2020/10/28/cubic-yards-illegally-dumped-trash-collected-capers-ave/ Contractor chosen for Belhaven Creek project WLBT JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A much-anticipated project designed to reduce flash flooding in Belhaven looks like it’s finally moving forward. https://www.wlbt.com/2020/10/28/contractor-chosen-belhaven-creek-project/ State Government Millions available for ag producers negatively impacted by COVID-19 NewsMS Are you an ag producer in Mississippi who has been negatively impacted by COVID-19? The Mississippi Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Mississippi Agriculture Stabilization Act (MASA) through Monday, November 16th. https://newsms.fm/millions-available-for-ag-producers-negatively-impacted-by-covid-19/ Tylertown businessman to join state Ethics Commission WLBT JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A Tylertown businessman has been tapped to join an agency that enforces ethics rules within the government. https://www.wlbt.com/2020/10/28/tylertown-businessman-join-state-ethics-commission/ Oil Spill Florida receives additional $73 million from Deepwater Horizon settlement Naples Daily News The federal government announced Wednesday that Florida will receive an additional $73 million in funding from the Deepwater Horizon spill settlement to be used for restoration projects. https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/environment/2020/10/28/bp-oil-spill-florida-gets-additional-73-million-deepwater-horizon/6061493002/ Regional EPA Administrator tours SeaPoint Complex, gives update on rule impacting bar pilots WTOC SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - WTOC received an update on what is touted to become the site of a major, long-term economic driver for Savannah. https://www.wtoc.com/2020/10/28/epa-administrator-tours-seapoint-complex-gives-update-rule-impacting-bar-pilots/ National As Biotech Crops Lose Their Power, Scientists Push For New Restrictions NPR Some of the most popular products of biotechnology — corn and cotton plants that have been genetically modified to fend off insects — are no longer offering the same protection from those bugs. Scientists say that that the problem is overuse, and are pushing for new regulations. https://www.npr.org/2020/10/29/927111009/as-biotech-crops-lose-their-power-scientists-push-for-new-restrictions Press Releases  EPA Highlights Increased Investment in Water Infrastructure Through State Revolving Funds 10/28/2020 WASHINGTON (October 28, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released 2019 annual reports for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-highlights-increased-investment-water-infrastructure-through-state-revolving-funds Connect with us ‌ ‌ ‌

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News Clippings October 28, 2020

State South Mississippi should hunker down by 3 PM Wednesday. Storm winds may arrive before 7 PM. WLOX SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) - Zeta strengthened back into a category one hurricane early Wednesday morning. Zeta is expected to make a landfall Wednesday afternoon or evening, most likely in southeast Louisiana possibly as a category two hurricane. After that, Zeta is expected to move into coastal Mississippi. https://www.wlox.com/2020/10/28/south-mississippi-should-hunker-down-by-pm-wednesday-storm-winds-may-arrive-before-pm/ Zeta re-strengthens to a hurricane, takes aim at Gulf Coast AP NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zeta re-strengthened into a hurricane early Wednesday as Louisiana braced for the 27th named storm of a historically busy Atlantic hurricane season. https://www.wlox.com/2020/10/28/zeta-re-strengthens-hurricane-takes-aim-gulf-coast/ Williams named Jackson Public Works Director WLBT JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Charles Williams invoked famed Gen. Douglas MacArthur when he discussed accepting the nomination for Jackson public works director. https://www.wlbt.com/2020/10/27/williams-named-jackson-public-works-director/ National Bayer, BASF Weedkillers Cleared by EPA for Another Five Years WSJ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will extend its approval of controversial weedkillers for another five years, a victory for agriculture companies Bayer AG BAYRY -2.54% and BASF SE.  https://www.wsj.com/articles/bayer-basf-weedkillers-cleared-by-epa-for-another-five-years-11603841673?mod=business_lead_pos7 Trump administration faces lawsuit over hunting expansion at nearly 150 wildlife refuges, hatcheries The Hill The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) faces a forthcoming lawsuit over its decision to open up or expand hunting at 147 national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries.  https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/522881-trump-administration-faces-lawsuit-over-hunting-expansion-at-nearly Pandemic Is Ray of Light for Solar Industry WSJ Between Covid-19 and natural disasters, Mother Nature threw Americans a curveball in 2020. Solar companies are hitting it out of the park. https://www.wsj.com/articles/pandemic-is-ray-of-light-for-solar-industry-11603882801 Google collaborates with NOAA to use artificial intelligence for weather forecasting, research The Hill  Google and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have signed a three-year deal to use the tech giant’s artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the agency’s environmental monitoring, weather forecasting and climate research, according to a joint announcement released Tuesday.  https://thehill.com/policy/technology/522916-google-collaborates-with-noaa-to-use-artificial-intelligence-for-weather Press Releases EPA Announces 2020 Dicamba Registration Decision 10/27/2020 Brooklet, Ga. (October 27, 2020) — At the Cromley Farm, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced that EPA is approving new five-year registrations for two dicamba products and extending the registration of an additional dicamba product. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-2020-dicamba-registration-decision EPA Announces New Actions to Support Water Reuse, Highlights Water Subcabinet Coordination 10/27/2020 WASHINGTON (October 27, 2020) — Today, at the Future of Water Infrastructure and Innovation Summit, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross announced four new proposed actions under the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP). https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-new-actions-support-water-reuse-highlights-water-subcabinet-coordination Registration Now Open for the Virtual 2020 EPA America Recycles: Innovation Fair and Summit 10/27/2020 WASHINGTON (October 27, 2020) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in celebration of America Recycles Week, invites everyone to register for free, virtual events hosted by EPA that focus on advancing the future of recycling from November 16 – 17, 2020. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/registration-now-open-virtual-2020-epa-america-recycles-innovation-fair-and-summit Connect with us ‌ ‌ ‌

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News Clippings October 27, 2020

State Zeta weakens over land. Landfall tomorrow night. Warnings issued. WLOX SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) - Zeta weakened to a tropical storm early Tuesday. Zeta produced strong winds and heavy rainfall across the northern portions of the Yucatan Peninsula earlier Tuesday. Zeta is expected to make a landfall tomorrow night either in or near South Mississippi. https://www.wlox.com/2020/10/26/zeta-weakens-over-land-landfall-tomorrow-night-warnings-issued/ Settlement in the works for West Rankin lawsuit WLBT RANKIN CO., Miss. (WLBT) - A long legal battle stemming from who should pay for problems at the Savanna Street Wastewater Treatment Plant could soon be coming to an end. https://www.wlbt.com/2020/10/26/settlement-works-west-rankin-lawsuit/ Jackson E-Waste Collection This Friday https://www.facebook.com/events/200980044666493 State Government Harrison County, 6 other counties added to coronavirus mask mandate, MS Gov. Reeves says Sun Herald Gov. Tate Reeves announced Monday the addition of seven counties that will be added to the mask mandate., including one Coast county. https://www.sunherald.com/news/coronavirus/article246730096.html Regional EPA clears Durkeeville Superfund site after cleanup project in Jacksonville WOKV The head of the United States Environmental Protection Agency stopped in Jacksonville today to tour the Fairfax Street Wood Treaters Superfund site in Durkeeville. https://www.wokv.com/news/local/epa-clears-durkeeville-superfund-site-after-cleanup-project-jacksonville/2ZBVD4WJGNDQNNQN4JXZIOPXXQ/ National U.S. EPA considering E15 labeling changes at gas pumps: sources Reuters  NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering changes to labels for gasoline containing higher blends of ethanol, or E15, in an effort to appease the biofuel industry’s concerns that current labels discourage use of the fuel, according to four sources familiar with the matter. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biofuels-e15/u-s-epa-considering-e15-labeling-changes-at-gas-pumps-sources-idUSKBN27B2PQ Press Releases Federal Partners Kick Off Workshop on Federal Government Human Health PFAS Research with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine 10/26/2020 WASHINGTON (October 26, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) kicked off the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)’s Workshop on Federal Government Human Health Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Research. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/federal-partners-kick-workshop-federal-government-human-health-pfas-research-national Connect with us ‌ ‌ ‌

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