Friday, April 30, 2021

News Clippings April 30, 2021

Oil Spill

Two coastal restoration projects totaling $68.5M get approval
WLOX

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Nearly $70 million has been approved for two restoration projects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that will help improve water quality and enhance the coastal habitat for fish and wildlife.

RESTORE Council approves two projects for Coastal Mississippi
NewsMS

Less than two weeks after the 11th anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, nearly $70 million has been approved for two projects along the Mississippi Gulf Coast by the RESTORE Council. 

400+ conservation jobs coming to Gulf of Mexico coastlines
WLOX (video)

Hundreds of jobs are opening up as recovery efforts continue a decade after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Here with details of what's underway is Alex Littlejohn, state director of The Nature Conservancy.

More than 400 conservation jobs coming to the Gulf Coast
Picayune Item

GULFPORT, MS – One of the most successful restoration programs to come out of the 2010 Gulf oil spill will continue for another four years thanks to support from the RESTORE Council this week.

$302M in BP Oil Spill Money Budgeted to Restore Ecosystems
AP

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Texas can get up to $79 million in BP oil spill restoration money, Mississippi nearly $69 million, and Florida almost $74 million for ecosystem recovery projects and programs approved or extended this week.


State

Take it black
Enterprise-Journal

A 2016 Freightliner tractor-trailer hauling coffee creamer caught fire after one of its tires locked up around midnight just north of the Fernwood exit in the southbound lanes of Interstate 55.

Environmental workshop seeking teachers
Daily Journal

The Environmental Education Workshop for Teachers is seeking K-12 teachers who would like to learn about natural resources for the classroom and earn 3 continuing education units (CEUs). 

Starkville partners with TVA on solar energy initiative
Commercial Dispatch

Starkville Utilities Department has partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority to become the first municipality in the state of Mississippi to sign an agreement to create local renewable energy.

Mississippi man pleads guilty to shooting, killing bald eagle
Fox 13

OXFORD, Miss. — A Mississippi man was sentenced in federal court for shooting and killing a protected bald eagle.


National

Appeals Court Tells EPA to Ban Pesticide or Decide It's Safe
AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court on Thursday ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to quickly determine whether a pesticide linked to brain damage in children should be banned, saying the agency had delayed acting on the widely used bug-killer chlorpyrifos for nearly 14 years.

GOP leaders from 19 states ask Supreme Court to review power plant regulation ruling
The Hill

Republican attorneys general from 18 states and one Republican governor are asking the Supreme Court to review a lower court ruling that they argue gave the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) too much power to regulate emissions.  

Energy Dept. warns nuclear waste tank may be leaking in Washington state
The Hill

The Department of Energy on Thursday said that it believes a Spokane, Wash., underground nuclear waste tank dating back to the 1940s is leaking waste produced by plutonium production.

Indiana governor signs wetland repeal bill, despite pushback
AP

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A bill removing some protections from Indiana’s already diminished wetlands was signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb Thursday despite widespread criticism that it could damage waterways, wildlife and vegetation.

EPA Investigation Finds Missouri Out Of Compliance With Federal Civil Rights Rules
St. Louis Public Radio

Federal officials are investigating whether Missouri environmental regulators violated the civil rights of St. Louis residents by issuing an air pollution control permit to a fuel transport business located near predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Pritzker Releases New Plan For Spending Multibillion Dollar Volkswagen Settlement
Capitol News Illinois

Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration released a revised plan for how to spend the state’s share of a multi-billion dollar Volkswagen settlement, which found the vehicle manufacturer in violation of the federal Clean Air Act.


Press Releases

Video: COVID-19 Press Conference
MSDH

State health officials discuss resumed use of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in Mississippi.

USDA, RESTORE Council to Invest $31 Million for Priority Restoration Work in Gulf States Impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $31 million in funding to advance restoration work and improve water quality in the Gulf Coast states impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

EPA Announces Plan to Update Toxics Release Inventory to Advance Environmental Justice
Plan includes expanding reporting requirements for certain chemicals and facilities, including ethylene oxide and PFAS, and providing new tools for communities
04/29/2021

Today, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pursues its mission to protect human health and the environment, the agency announced that it will be taking important steps under the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to advance Environmental Justice, improve transparency, and increase access to environmental information.





Thursday, April 29, 2021

News Clippings April 29, 2021

Oil Spill

Plan approved for Gulf Coast Restoration Projects
WXXV

Governor Tate Reeves announced that the Restore Council approved a plan today that includes two restoration projects for Mississippi.

Governor Reeves announces approval of Mississippi RESTORE projects
Y’all Politics

Governor Tate Reeves announced that the RESTORE Council approved a plan today that includes two restoration projects for Mississippi. 

Climb CDC working to conserve and restore Turkey Creek in Gulfport
WXXV

Climb CDC in Gulfport is working to conserve and restore the Turkey Creek area.

RESTORE Council vote confirms $305 million for coastal ecology work
Al.com

A $302 million slate of restoration projects approved Wednesday by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council includes well over $20 million in work intended to improve water quality and sustain ecosystems in coastal Alabama.

Alabama Gulf Coast receiving more than $81 million to fund federal RESTORE Council Projects
WKRG

Press release from the office of Gov. Kay Ivey
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council) approved $302 million in funding decisions for restoration activities spanning the Gulf Coast states.


State

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORS WANT GOLD COAST APPEAL MOVED TO RANKIN COUNTY COURT
Northside Sun

State regulators want to move the appeal of the revocation of Gold Coast Commodities’ wastewater permit out of Hinds County.

Benton County, North Tippah awarded funds for new school buses
Southern Sentinel

North Tippah and Benton County are among 15 school districts awarded funds from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to the purchase of new school buses for the upcoming school year.

Byhalia oil pipeline could threaten Memphis drinking water, and north Mississippi's, too
Clarion Ledger

Chris Pilcher never expected the driveway he uses to get to his home just outside of Olive Branch, Mississippi, to become part of one of the biggest environmental fights in recent history in southwest Tennessee.

Stench from sinkhole on Jackson road unmistakable
WAPT

JACKSON, Miss. — People living on Lorenz Boulevard in Jackson say they've been living with a sinkhole in the middle of the road that's both unpleasant and unsafe.

City: Tire store needs more cleanup
Neshoba Democrat

City officials are continuing to fine the owner of a tire business after they visited the property last week and determined more work needs to be done.

Walthall board hears littering complaint
Enterprise-Journal

TYLERTOWN – Walthall County supervisors addressed concerns over litter in Wednesday’s meeting.

City raises fines for littering to $500
Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Those who choose to litter in Natchez may also pay a $500 fine for doing so.
The Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen have increased the fine for littering inside city limits from $150 to $500 during their Tuesday meeting.

Catalytic converter thefts hitting South Mississippi hard
WLOX

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) - It’s becoming a nationwide crime that has hit South Mississippians. The theft of catalytic converters off vehicles is on the rise because there’s a lot of money to be made from recycling the precious metals inside.


Regional

AEM providing more details on Mississippi Alluvial Aquifer
Delta Farm Press

The Mississippi Alluvial Plain runs from southeast Missouri through Arkansas, west Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. For decades the shallow aquifer beneath the MAP has provided irrigation water for millions of acres of corn, cotton, rice and soybeans.

Eastern Kentucky oil refinery exceeds EPA emissions limit for cancer-causing chemical
Herald-Leader

An oil refinery in Eastern Kentucky exceeded federal emissions standards for a chemical known to cause cancer.

Stinging scorpion fish among 10 ‘uncommon species’ recently found in Florida waters
Miami Herald

Two species of stinging scorpionfish have been found in unexpected places in Florida waters, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.


National

EPA chief: Biden's climate goals are 'an opportunity to lead'
The Hill

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan appeared at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing Wednesday, answering questions about the status of investigations into Trump-era moves at the agency and the Biden administration’s carbon emissions targets.

People of Color Breathe More Hazardous Air. The Sources Are Everywhere.
NY Times

Over the years, a mountain of evidence has brought to light a stark injustice: Compared with white Americans, people of color in the United States suffer disproportionately from exposure to pollution.

13 U.S. refineries exceeded emissions limits for cancer-causing benzene in 2020 -report
Reuters

Thirteen U.S. oil refineries released the cancer-causing chemical benzene in concentrations that exceeded federal limits last year, according to government data published by the green group Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) on Wednesday.

U.S. Supreme Court divided in biofuel waivers dispute
Reuters

U.S. Supreme Court justices on Tuesday appeared divided over a bid by small oil refineries for exemptions from a federal law requiring increasing levels of biofuels to be blended into their products.

Bones dating back to ice age found while digging backyard pool
AP

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A couple in Las Vegas said they will have to wait to continue building their pool after construction crews unearthed a set of bones dating back to Earth’s most recent ice age.


Press Releases

Governor Tate Reeves Announces Approval of Mississippi Restoration Projects
Posted: April 28, 2021
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Governor Tate Reeves announced that the RESTORE Council approved a plan today that includes two restoration projects for Mississippi. 

RESTORE Council Announces $302M in Gulf Coast Restoration Activities
Posted: April 28, 2021
NEW ORLEANS (April 28, 2021) – Today the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council) announced $302 million in funding decisions for restoration activities spanning the Gulf Coast states impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Secretary Haaland Announces Funding for Six Tribal Youth Environmental and Economic Empowerment Projects
4/28/2021

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today announced the approval of $927,000 for the Tribal Youth Coastal Restoration Program, which will fund projects estimated to restore up to 1,000 acres of wildlife habitat on Tribal lands along the Gulf Coast.




Wednesday, April 28, 2021

News Clippings April 28, 2021

State

DMR seeking public input on oyster management/recovery plan
WLOX (video)

The Mississippi Dept. of Marine Resources is trying to get the state's oyster industry back on its feet. They have an Oyster Management and Recovery Strategic Plan, and they're looking for public input. Here with details on how you can participate is DMR Shellfish Bureau Director Erik Broussard.

EPA WILL ADDRESS JACKSON CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 11 CONCERNING ITS WATER SYSTEM ORDER
Northside Sun

Federal officials will address the Jackson City Council at its meeting on May 11 concerning an order issued concerning significant deficiencies in Jackson’s water system.

Starkville becomes first municipality to join Green Invest Solar Project
WTVA

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - A city in the Golden Triangle is becoming a little greener after signing a deal with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).


State Government

Hunter named Mississippi Homeland Security director
Daily Journal

JACKSON - Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell has appointed Lora Hunter to serve as Director of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security.

Census shows Mississippi lost population and diversified
AP

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi became more diverse during the past decade, but it is also one of only three states that lost population, according to 2020 Census numbers released Monday.

 
National

EPA director promises action on forever chemicals
WUSA

WASHINGTON — The EPA is promising swift action on chemicals linked to cancer that have recently been found in the D.C. region at levels that alarm environmentalists. The federal government does not currently regulate the so-called "forever chemicals," or PFAS, but that could change soon.

Senate to Reinstate Obama-Era Controls on Climate-Warming Methane
NY Times

WASHINGTON — The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday to effectively reinstate an Obama-era regulation that sought to clamp down on the release of methane, a powerful, climate-warming pollutant that will have to be controlled to meet President Biden’s ambitious climate change promises.

Biden Administration to Finance $8 Billion in Power-Grid Improvements
WSJ

WASHINGTON—The Biden administration rolled out new programs Tuesday to bolster the U.S. power grid, framing them as part of its effort to fight climate change through infrastructure improvements needed to expand use of alternative energy.

Senate confirms Janet McCabe as deputy EPA chief
The Hill

The Senate voted Tuesday to confirm Janet McCabe as the No. 2 official at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Colorado launching independent investigation into claims state pollution officials unlawfully issued permits, falsified data
Denver Post

Colorado is launching an independent investigation of whistleblower allegations that officials in the state health department responsible for controlling air pollution ordered employees to stop measuring surges of harmful sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulates at industrial sites.


Press Releases

MDMR seeking public comment for Oyster Management and Recovery Strategic Plan
April 27, 2021

BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) is seeking public comments from stakeholders on the draft document, “Oyster Management and Recovery Strategic Plan.”

EPA Administrator Regan Establishes New Council on PFAS
04/27/2021
 
WASHINGTON – (April 27, 2021) To help deliver on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mission to protect human health and the environment, today Administrator Michael S. Regan issued a memorandum to EPA’s senior leadership calling for the creation of a new “EPA Council on PFAS” that is charged with building on the agency’s ongoing work to better understand and ultimately reduce the potential risks caused by these chemicals. 

EPA Announces $6.5 Billion in New Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects
WIFIA funds to revitalize water infrastructure, create jobs while prioritizing progress on equity, climate, lead
04/27/2021

WASHINGTON — Today, at an address to water associations, utilities, and their workers to mark Water Week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the 2021 notice of funding availability under the agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program and state infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program.

EPA to accept applications for grants that enhance recycling markets or reduce food waste until June 1
04/27/2021

CHICAGO (April 28, 2021) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 is now accepting applications for Sustainable Materials Management Grants to fund recycling markets or food waste reduction projects in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.