Tuesday, February 23, 2021

News Clippings February 23, 2021

State

Lauderdale County resets hearing on proposed transfer station for March 15
Meridian Star

Lauderdale County officials have rescheduled a public hearing on a proposed waste transfer station and other matters for 9:15 a.m. on Monday, March 15.  

County cleanup begins Thursday
Daily Leader

The Keep Lincoln County Beautiful Spring Cleanup will begin Thursday.

2,300-acre prescribed burn happening in Jones Co. Monday
WDAM

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - If you live in or will be traveling through Jones County on Monday, you may notice a large amount of smoke in the air.

Emergency management director to retire
Daily Leader

At the end of June, Clifford Galey Sr. will turn off his cell phone and take the radio off his belt for the final time as he retires from 39 years in Civil Defense.

Jackson residents could see their water restored within the next few days
WLBT

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - More than 40,000 Jackson residents are still experiencing little to no water pressure inside of their home.

With thousands facing boil water advisories, doctors warn of health risks from contaminated water
WLBT

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - With more than a hundred thousand people in multiple cities under boil water advisories Monday night, health care professionals say they’re concerned about the dangers of residents drinking potentially contaminated water.


Regional

U.S. Supreme Court Hears Florida-Georgia Water Dispute, Ruling Expected In June
GPB

A lawyer representing the state of Florida asked the U.S. Supreme Court Monday to order Georgia to use less water irrigating crops in order to restore Florida’s devastated oyster industry.

How much carbon can Louisiana's wetlands hold? New study aims to find out
NOLA.com

Louisiana's marshes are masters at capturing carbon from the air, locking it in the soil beneath the water's surface where it won't disturb the atmosphere or the climate. They act as a huge carbon sink along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, steadily accumulating more gas than they emit.

Rep. Cohen asks president to rescind permit for Byhalia Pipeline
WMC

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - In a letter, Congressman Steve Cohen of Tennessee is asking President Joe Biden to rescind a permit for the Byhalia Pipeline.


National

EPA takes steps to monitor PFAS in drinking water
KWQC

Lenexa, Kans. (KWQC) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued two actions to protect public health by addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.

EPA changes stand, sides with ethanol industry in court case
AP

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The federal government announced Monday that it will support the ethanol industry in a lawsuit over biofuel waivers granted to oil refineries under President Donald Trump's administration.

Interior Nominee Haaland Vows 'Balance' on Energy, Climate
AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Oil and natural gas will continue to play a major role in America for years to come, even as the Biden administration seeks to conserve public lands and address climate change, President Joe Biden’s nominee to head the Interior Department pledges.

As Cities Grapple With Climate Change, Gas Utilities Fight To Stay In Business
NPR

Facing the rising threat of wildfire and extreme drought, Flagstaff, Ariz., unveiled an ambitious effort two years ago to cut the heat-trapping emissions that drive climate change.

Two departments in the Magic City awarded funding for clean emissions
KFYR

MINOT, N.D. – The state of North Dakota has received money as part of a large emissions settlement with Volkswagen.

Wisconsin's top sturgeon expert charged with lying about caviar scheme
AP

Prosecutors charged the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ top sturgeon expert Thursday with obstructing an investigation into allegations that his employees have been funneling the valuable fish’s eggs to a network of caviar processors under the guise of a scientific study.


Press Releases

EPA Takes Action to Address PFAS in Drinking Water
02/22/2021
 
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued two actions to protect public health by addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, highlighting the agency’s commitment to address these long-lasting “forever chemicals” that can enter drinking water supplies and impact communities across the United States.

EPA approves Arkansas’ clean-air plan for ozone
02/22/2021

DALLAS – (Feb. 22, 2021) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently approved the state of Arkansas’ plan for administering programs related to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone.