9.5.2013
Oil Spill
Court asked to uphold BP settlement approval
By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN — Associated Press
NEW ORLEAN -- Plaintiffs' attorneys who brokered a multibillion-dollar
settlement with BP following the company's 2010 Gulf oil spill have asked a
federal appeals court to uphold a judge's approval of the deal.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/04/4925527/court-asked-to-uphold-bp-settlement.html
FSU research team reels in 128 sharks in 10 days in Gulf
Tallahassee Democrat
This is the story of the fish that didn't get away.
It was a fish that at first appeared to be a whale. It was a Greenland
shark that had never before been seen and caught in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130904/FSVIEW/130904005/FSU-research-team-reels-128-sharks-10-days-Gulf
State
26 red drum found dead near Deer Island
Sun Herald
The state Department of Marine Resources received reports Wednesday about
dead fish near Deer Island, which was believed to be a fish kill.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/04/4922622/around-south-mississippi.html
Supervisors give garbage pact to Waste Management
AP
VICKSBURG, MISS. — Warren County supervisors have awarded a garbage
collection contract to Waste Management.
http://www.wral.com/supervisors-give-garbage-pact-to-waste-management/12852829/
Grant for Hearn Creek project on hold
By ALINE CARAMBAT
Madison County Journal
MADISON - A federal grant that would be used to clear up debris and
channeling issues in Hearn Creek here lies in wait while the city and
county officials debate who will take the lead on the project.
http://onlinemadison.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=27164
National
EPA Proposing to Formally Review Methods Used to Protect Waters From
Degradation
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Bloomberg
By Amena H. Saiyid
The Environmental Protection Agency is considering requiring states and
tribes to obtain agency approval for the methods they use to protect water
quality from being degraded through development or other activity that
could lead to discharges of pollutants.
http://www.bna.com/epa-proposing-formally-n17179876678/
Former senior EPA adviser Beale expected to plead guilty in $900,000 pay
fraud
Washington Post
By Ann E. Marimow and Lenny Bernstein,
Over the past 12 years, John C. Beale was often away from his job as a
high-level staffer at the Environmental Protection Agency. He cultivated an
air of mystery and explained his lengthy absences by telling his bosses
that he was doing top-secret work, including for the CIA.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/former-senior-epa-adviser-beale-expected-to-plead-guilty-in-900000-pay-fraud/2013/09/04/6a5ce06c-1574-11e3-be6e-dc6ae8a5b3a8_print.html
U.S. may require stronger tank cars for hazmat and crude
Houston Chronicle
Rail tank cars, which are moving an increasing volume of crude oil and
other hazardous materials, may have to be stronger and better able to
withstand a crash, U.S. regulators said.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/09/05/u-s-may-require-stronger-tank-cars-for-hazmat-and-crude/
EPA, Energy Dept. chiefs to appear at House climate hearing
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 09/04/13 05:31 PM ET
House Republicans have snagged high-profile witnesses for a Sept. 18
hearing on the White House's new climate plan: Environmental Protection
Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/320345-epa-energy-dept-chiefs-to-appear-at-house-climate-hearing
Safeway pays fine to settle pollution charges
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 09/04/13 04:32 PM ET
The nation's second-largest grocery store chain will pay $600,000 and
implement a $4.1 million plan to reduce its emissions of a refrigeration
chemical that depletes the ozone layer.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/320331-safeway-pays-fine-to-settle-pollution-charges
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
News Clippings 9/4/13
9/4/13
Oil Spill
Oil cleanup near completion, BP officials say
Daily Comet
Jacob Batte
Published: Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 10:11 p.m.
More than three years after the Deepwater Horizon spill, much of the oil
has been cleaned up, a BP spokesman said.
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20130903/ARTICLES/130909926/1320?Title=Oil-cleanup-near-completion-BP-officials-say
Concerns about Gulf spill settlement are irrelevant, plaintiffs lawyers say
Houston Chronicle
The lead plaintiffs attorneys who negotiated last year's
multibillion-dollar class-action civil settlement in the litigation over
the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill asked a federal appeals court Tuesday to
reject a challenge to the deal filed by more than a dozen individuals and
businesses.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/09/03/concerns-about-gulf-spill-settlement-are-irrelevant-plaintiffs-lawyers-say/
BP tourism grants, totaling $4.6 million, doled out in Alabama, mostly to
Mobile, Baldwin organizations
Press-Register
Marc D. Anderson
September 03, 2013 at 10:58 AM
MOBILE, Alabama -- As part of the second round of BP tourism grant
distribution among Gulf states, Alabama organizations, mostly in Baldwin
and Mobile counties, were awarded $4.6 million.
http://blog.al.com/live/2013/09/bp_tourism_grants_totaling_46.html
State
Bryant names Steve Renfroe to empty spot on PSC
September 3
BY JEFF AMY
Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. — A former Chevron Corp. lobbyist was named to the Public
Service Commission on Tuesday, and says he's undecided about Mississippi
Power's $4.7 billion Kemper County project.
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/03/4454657/bryant-names-steve-renfroe-to.html
Governor fills PSC post
Retired Chevron official to face tough decisions about Kemper plant
Clarion Ledger
Steve Renfroe says he's coming into his appointment as Southern District
public service commissioner without preconception on the biggest issue
before the agency: the Kemper County power plant and how much South
Mississippi power customers will have to pay for it.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130904/NEWS01/309040021/Governor-fills-PSC-post
New public service commissioner has no interest in politics
WLOX
New Southern Public Service Commissioner Steve Renfroe said when it comes
to making decisions, he won't be playing politics. Governor Phil Bryant
appointed the lifelong Moss Point resident to serve out the unexpired term
of Leonard Bentz.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23323175/new-public-service-commissioner-has-no-interest-in-politics
Bryant names Steve Renfroe new public service commissioner
Sun Herald
By MARY MARGARET HALFORD — mhalford@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- Steve Renfroe has been named as South Mississippi's new public
service commissioner by Gov. Phil Bryant.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/03/4920889/bryant-names-steve-renfroe-new.html
$250M pipeline completed to Collins
Clarion Ledger
Joint venture partners Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P. and Valero Energy
Corp. say they have completed a $250 million, 141-mile pipeline that
connects refineries in Norco, La., to Plantation Pipe Line Co.'s petroleum
transportation hub in Collins.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130904/BIZ/309040014/-250M-pipeline-completed-Collins?gcheck=1&nclick_check=1
Regional
Federal judge sides with Semmes in dispute over halted oil pipeline
construction
Press-Register
Brendan Kirby
September 03, 2013 at 5:07 PM
MOBILE, Alabama – There will be no quick restart of a controversial oil
pipeline through Semmes, a federal judge ruled Monday.
Chief U.S. District Judge William Steele sided with Semmes in the dispute
with Plains Southcap involving the $120 million project.
http://blog.al.com/live/2013/09/federal_judge_sides_with_semme.html#incart_river
National
House Science chairman says EPA violating subpoena
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 09/03/13 04:19 PM ET
The GOP chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee
accused the Environmental Protection Agency of flouting a subpoena he
issued requesting data from various public health studies.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/320065-house-panel-chairman-says-epa-violating-subpoena
Wildlife service proposes change to endangered species management rules
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 09/03/13 05:41 PM ET
Regulators in charge of protecting endangered species want new rules for
actions that unintentionally harm, kill or disturb protected animals.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries
Service are proposing regulations for an alternate method of calculating
how new development and other projects will affect endangered species.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/320099-wildlife-service-proposes-change-to-endangered-species-management-rules-
Opinion
CHARLIE MITCHELL: Bryant shouldn't be coy about nuclear waste
There was a dust-up last week about whether Mississippi should
ever-ever-ever become a home for nuclear waste.
Guess what?
Mississippi has been a home for nuclear waste for nearly 30 years.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/03/4922166/charlie-mitchell-bryant-shouldnt.html
COLUMN-U.S. advanced biofuel targets inflated expectations: Wynn
Reuters
Tue, Sep 3 2013
By Gerard Wynn
LONDON, Sept 3 (Reuters) - The latest financial results from advanced
biofuel producer KiOR illustrate how over-ambitious U.S. targets inflated
industry and investor expectations, after the company's share price halved
on disappointing production.
The company's sluggish start at its Mississippi facility is awkward for the
Environmental Protection Agency.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/03/column-wynn-biofuel-us-idUSL6N0GY1YP20130903
Press Releases
Gov. Bryant Names Steve Renfroe to Public Service Commission
BILOXI—Gov. Phil Bryant today announced his decision to appoint Steve
Renfroe, a lifelong resident of Moss Point, to serve as Southern District
Public Service Commissioner. Renfroe will fill the unexpired term of
Leonard Bentz, who resigned Aug. 19, 2013.
The Public Service Commission regulates electric, gas, water and sewer
utilities; regulates telecommunications; and hears and investigates
complaints regarding public utilities. The commission consists of one
member elected from each of Mississippi's three Supreme Court districts.
"Proper regulation of energy infrastructure and resources is critical for
both businesses and families, and I'm very pleased Steve agreed to come out
of retirement to serve in this important capacity," Gov. Bryant said. "He
has integrity, the right experience, and a heart for South Mississippi. I
have every confidence Steve will do an excellent job."
Renfroe is a graduate of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and
earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Mississippi College. He
began his career as a math instructor in the Moss Point School District and
later worked for Chevron as an environmental specialist and a public and
government affairs manager. He retired in 2011 after 35 years with the
company.
Renfroe has served as chairman of the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer
Service and chairman of the United Way for Jackson & George Counties. He
was instrumental in bringing the National Audubon Society's new education
center to South Mississippi.
He has served as chairman of Excel By 5, an early childhood initiative
supported by Chevron that he and his wife Debby, a 30-year public school
kindergarten teacher, helped start. Renfroe has also served on the Early
Childhood Advisory Council under Governors Barbour and Bryant.
"I'm very honored to be appointed by Gov. Bryant," Renfroe said.
"Integrity is all about keeping promises, and I promise to make decisions
based on what's best for Mississippians. I appreciate the opportunity to
help the commission navigate the next couple of years--and then--I look
forward to returning to retirement. I will not run for election in 2015."
Renfroe will be sworn in early next week by Hattiesburg Youth Court Judge
Mike McPhail.
###
Oil Spill
Oil cleanup near completion, BP officials say
Daily Comet
Jacob Batte
Published: Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 10:11 p.m.
More than three years after the Deepwater Horizon spill, much of the oil
has been cleaned up, a BP spokesman said.
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20130903/ARTICLES/130909926/1320?Title=Oil-cleanup-near-completion-BP-officials-say
Concerns about Gulf spill settlement are irrelevant, plaintiffs lawyers say
Houston Chronicle
The lead plaintiffs attorneys who negotiated last year's
multibillion-dollar class-action civil settlement in the litigation over
the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill asked a federal appeals court Tuesday to
reject a challenge to the deal filed by more than a dozen individuals and
businesses.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/09/03/concerns-about-gulf-spill-settlement-are-irrelevant-plaintiffs-lawyers-say/
BP tourism grants, totaling $4.6 million, doled out in Alabama, mostly to
Mobile, Baldwin organizations
Press-Register
Marc D. Anderson
September 03, 2013 at 10:58 AM
MOBILE, Alabama -- As part of the second round of BP tourism grant
distribution among Gulf states, Alabama organizations, mostly in Baldwin
and Mobile counties, were awarded $4.6 million.
http://blog.al.com/live/2013/09/bp_tourism_grants_totaling_46.html
State
Bryant names Steve Renfroe to empty spot on PSC
September 3
BY JEFF AMY
Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. — A former Chevron Corp. lobbyist was named to the Public
Service Commission on Tuesday, and says he's undecided about Mississippi
Power's $4.7 billion Kemper County project.
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/09/03/4454657/bryant-names-steve-renfroe-to.html
Governor fills PSC post
Retired Chevron official to face tough decisions about Kemper plant
Clarion Ledger
Steve Renfroe says he's coming into his appointment as Southern District
public service commissioner without preconception on the biggest issue
before the agency: the Kemper County power plant and how much South
Mississippi power customers will have to pay for it.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130904/NEWS01/309040021/Governor-fills-PSC-post
New public service commissioner has no interest in politics
WLOX
New Southern Public Service Commissioner Steve Renfroe said when it comes
to making decisions, he won't be playing politics. Governor Phil Bryant
appointed the lifelong Moss Point resident to serve out the unexpired term
of Leonard Bentz.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23323175/new-public-service-commissioner-has-no-interest-in-politics
Bryant names Steve Renfroe new public service commissioner
Sun Herald
By MARY MARGARET HALFORD — mhalford@sunherald.com
BILOXI -- Steve Renfroe has been named as South Mississippi's new public
service commissioner by Gov. Phil Bryant.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/03/4920889/bryant-names-steve-renfroe-new.html
$250M pipeline completed to Collins
Clarion Ledger
Joint venture partners Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P. and Valero Energy
Corp. say they have completed a $250 million, 141-mile pipeline that
connects refineries in Norco, La., to Plantation Pipe Line Co.'s petroleum
transportation hub in Collins.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130904/BIZ/309040014/-250M-pipeline-completed-Collins?gcheck=1&nclick_check=1
Regional
Federal judge sides with Semmes in dispute over halted oil pipeline
construction
Press-Register
Brendan Kirby
September 03, 2013 at 5:07 PM
MOBILE, Alabama – There will be no quick restart of a controversial oil
pipeline through Semmes, a federal judge ruled Monday.
Chief U.S. District Judge William Steele sided with Semmes in the dispute
with Plains Southcap involving the $120 million project.
http://blog.al.com/live/2013/09/federal_judge_sides_with_semme.html#incart_river
National
House Science chairman says EPA violating subpoena
The Hill
By Zack Colman - 09/03/13 04:19 PM ET
The GOP chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee
accused the Environmental Protection Agency of flouting a subpoena he
issued requesting data from various public health studies.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/320065-house-panel-chairman-says-epa-violating-subpoena
Wildlife service proposes change to endangered species management rules
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 09/03/13 05:41 PM ET
Regulators in charge of protecting endangered species want new rules for
actions that unintentionally harm, kill or disturb protected animals.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries
Service are proposing regulations for an alternate method of calculating
how new development and other projects will affect endangered species.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/320099-wildlife-service-proposes-change-to-endangered-species-management-rules-
Opinion
CHARLIE MITCHELL: Bryant shouldn't be coy about nuclear waste
There was a dust-up last week about whether Mississippi should
ever-ever-ever become a home for nuclear waste.
Guess what?
Mississippi has been a home for nuclear waste for nearly 30 years.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/03/4922166/charlie-mitchell-bryant-shouldnt.html
COLUMN-U.S. advanced biofuel targets inflated expectations: Wynn
Reuters
Tue, Sep 3 2013
By Gerard Wynn
LONDON, Sept 3 (Reuters) - The latest financial results from advanced
biofuel producer KiOR illustrate how over-ambitious U.S. targets inflated
industry and investor expectations, after the company's share price halved
on disappointing production.
The company's sluggish start at its Mississippi facility is awkward for the
Environmental Protection Agency.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/03/column-wynn-biofuel-us-idUSL6N0GY1YP20130903
Press Releases
Gov. Bryant Names Steve Renfroe to Public Service Commission
BILOXI—Gov. Phil Bryant today announced his decision to appoint Steve
Renfroe, a lifelong resident of Moss Point, to serve as Southern District
Public Service Commissioner. Renfroe will fill the unexpired term of
Leonard Bentz, who resigned Aug. 19, 2013.
The Public Service Commission regulates electric, gas, water and sewer
utilities; regulates telecommunications; and hears and investigates
complaints regarding public utilities. The commission consists of one
member elected from each of Mississippi's three Supreme Court districts.
"Proper regulation of energy infrastructure and resources is critical for
both businesses and families, and I'm very pleased Steve agreed to come out
of retirement to serve in this important capacity," Gov. Bryant said. "He
has integrity, the right experience, and a heart for South Mississippi. I
have every confidence Steve will do an excellent job."
Renfroe is a graduate of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and
earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Mississippi College. He
began his career as a math instructor in the Moss Point School District and
later worked for Chevron as an environmental specialist and a public and
government affairs manager. He retired in 2011 after 35 years with the
company.
Renfroe has served as chairman of the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer
Service and chairman of the United Way for Jackson & George Counties. He
was instrumental in bringing the National Audubon Society's new education
center to South Mississippi.
He has served as chairman of Excel By 5, an early childhood initiative
supported by Chevron that he and his wife Debby, a 30-year public school
kindergarten teacher, helped start. Renfroe has also served on the Early
Childhood Advisory Council under Governors Barbour and Bryant.
"I'm very honored to be appointed by Gov. Bryant," Renfroe said.
"Integrity is all about keeping promises, and I promise to make decisions
based on what's best for Mississippians. I appreciate the opportunity to
help the commission navigate the next couple of years--and then--I look
forward to returning to retirement. I will not run for election in 2015."
Renfroe will be sworn in early next week by Hattiesburg Youth Court Judge
Mike McPhail.
###
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
News Clippings 9/3/13
9/3/13
Oil Spill
BP answers Jindal criticism
Baton Rouge Advocate
by michelle millhollon
A day after Gov. Bobby Jindal accused BP of splashing out more on
advertising than coastal restoration, the company fired back.
http://theadvocate.com/home/6914782-125/bp-criticizes-governor
BP asks 5th Circuit to throw out claims settlement unless separate appeal
on claims process is granted
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
August 30, 2013 at 10:25 PM
BP asked the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday to throw out a
massive settlement of private claims stemming from the 2010 Deepwater
Horizon oil spill if the appeal judges don't reverse a lower court's
decision upholding how large business claims are being paid.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/08/bp_asks_5th_circuit_to_throw_o.html
BP expands challenge to Gulf spill settlement
BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW ORLEANS -- BP is trying to convince a federal appeals court that it
should throw out a judge's approval of the company's multibillion-dollar
settlement related to the Gulf oil spill if a separate appeal is
unsuccessful.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/30/3596062/bp-urges-court-to-toss-judges.html
BP's New Approach to Deepwater Horizon Damages: Start Over
Wall Street Journal
Companies don't typically spend a year crafting a multibillion dollar
settlement and then turn around and argue against it. But BP PLC's oil
spill litigation is proving to be anything but typical.
http://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2013/08/30/bps-new-approach-to-deepwater-horizon-damages-start-over/
BP finds unlikely ally in fight over spill payments
Houston Chronicle
BP has found an unlikely ally in its fight to cut what it is paying out
under last year's multibillion-dollar class-action Gulf of Mexico oil spill
settlement: people who say they aren't getting enough money.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/08/30/bp-finds-unlikely-ally-in-fight-over-spill-payments/
State
Jackson County rolls out new recycling options
WLOX
Jackson County officials said not enough people are using curbside
recycling in the unincorporated part of the county. County officials want
to do something about that.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23318972/jackson-county-rolls-out-new-recycling-options
Chemical spill closes part of County Farm Rd overnight
WLOX
Part of County Farm Road, near the I-10 overpass, was closed down Friday
night after a non-hazardous chemical spill.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23306231/chemical-spill-closes-part-of-county-farm-rd-overnight
Gulf Coast Research Lab student studying dolphin virus
WLOX
A student at USM's Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs is helping
scientists identify the virus that's blamed for killing more than 350
dolphins along the East Coast this year.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23303954/gulf-coast-research-lab-student-studying-dolphin-virus
Regional
Facing Fire Over Challenge to Louisiana's Oil Industry
NY Times
By CAMPBELL ROBERTSON
BATON ROUGE, La. — State Senator Gerald Long of Louisiana calls it "kind of
a gentlemen's agreement."
For the generations since Mr. Long's third cousin Huey P. Long was the
governor, this state has relied on the oil and gas industry for a
considerable part of its revenues and for tens of thousands of jobs. In
return, the industry has largely found the state an obliging partner and
staunch political ally as it has fought off curbs on its business.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/01/us/facing-fire-over-challenge-to-louisianas-oil-industry.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
National
Greenhouse-Gas Fight Escalates
Administration's Higher Estimate for Cost of Carbon Raises Ire of Critics
Wall Street Journal
By KEITH JOHNSON
WASHINGTON—A quiet move by the Obama administration to put a higher price
tag on greenhouse-gas emissions has sparked a big fight, prompting new
legislation in Congress and sniping in academic circles.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324324404579040950076712782.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Feds, looking to Texas blast, release chemical safety guide
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 08/30/13 05:36 PM ET
Federal regulators are issuing a new safety advisory for companies that
deal with the substance at the root of a fertilizer plant explosion in
April.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/administration/319749-feds-looking-to-texas-blast-release-chemical-safety-guide
EPA sued over scuttled factory-farming rule
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 08/30/13 11:28 AM ET
A number of environmental and animal welfare groups are suing the Obama
administration for dropping a rule expanding federal oversight of
industrial livestock farms.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/court-battles/319629-epa-sued-over-scuttled-factory-farming-rule
4 states' attorneys general dispute fracking rules
AP
Attorney General Tim Fox says Montana is joining Alabama, Alaska and
Oklahoma in protesting Bureau of Land Management plans to regulate
hydraulic fracturing on federal land.
http://www.ktoo.org/2013/08/30/4-states-attorneys-general-dispute-fracking-rules/
Opinion
Getting important work done
Daily Comet
Published: Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 6:26 p.m.
The panel in charge of directing much of the BP oil spill fine money has
agreed on a preliminary plan for the process.
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20130831/OPINION/130839884?Title=Getting-important-work-done
Geoff Pender: Nuclear waste? Oh, not I
Clarion Ledger
Note to Mississippi politicians: back away from the nuclear waste proposal.
It could end your career. It is, pardon the pun, radioactive.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130901/COL0601/309010034/Geoff-Pender-Nuclear-waste-Oh-not-I?odyssey=mod|
newswell|text|Opinion|p
Sam R. Hall: Gov., MEI bungle nuke waste idea
Clarion Ledger
It is rare to see possible economic development opportunities publicly
mismanaged early in the process, but the Mississippi Energy Institute put
on a clinic in what not to do when trying to bring a new industry to a
state.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130901/COL0401/309010018/Sam-R-Hall-Gov-MEI-bungle-nuke-waste-idea?odyssey=mod|
newswell|text|Opinion|p
Bad Ethanol Policy Is a Job Killer
The price of EPA compliance rose 3,625% since the end of 2012.
Wall Street Journal
By PATRICK MEEHAN
And PAT EIDING
Like most ideas in Congress, the Renewable Fuel Standard was rooted in
good intention. Enacted in 2005 by President George W. Bush and with
strong bipartisan support, the RFS was designed to improve energy security
and the environment by requiring that the transportation fuels Americans
use include a minimum amount of renewable fuels.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324653004578650353641142838.html?mod=wsj_streaming_stream
Press Releases
EPA, OSHA and ATF Provide Information and Lessons Learned About the Safe
Storage, Handling and Management of Ammonium Nitrate
WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued a chemical advisory
that provides information on the hazards of ammonium nitrate (AN) storage,
handling and management. This action supports the goals of President
Obama's August 2013 executive order on "Improving Chemical Facility Safety
and Security." The advisory provides lessons learned for facility owners
and operators, emergency planners and first responders from recent
incidents, including the explosion in West, Texas, involving AN in order to
prevent similar incidents.
"Understanding and minimizing the hazards posed by solid ammonium nitrate
used in fertilizers is a key component of this advisory," said Mathy
Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response. "In addition, the community emergency planning and
response information in this document provides a valuable tool that will
help protect workers, first responders and communities throughout the
country."
"Ammonium nitrate can be very dangerous, and it's imperative that
employers, workers and first responders all understand the hazards," said
Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety
and Health. "With this understanding, together they can control these
hazards and save lives and limbs."
"ATF National Response Team works closely with other federal, state and
local emergency personnel responding to incidents, to include ammonium
nitrate explosions," says Arthur Herbert, ATF Assistant Director for the
Office of Enforcement Programs and Services. "ATF maintains an open
dialogue with first responders of the possible hazards of ammonium nitrate
and is committed to working towards development of best practices in
collaboration with our federal partners, industry members and their
association representatives."
The advisory takes steps now to reduce the risks associated with AN to
workers, first responders and communities. It is part of an ongoing
coordinated federal government effort to improve chemical safety with
regards to AN and includes information on ensuring proper building design,
storage containers and fire protection at their locations; learning from
other accidents; and knowing and understanding the hazards that exist when
developing their emergency response plans.
Earlier this month, President Obama directed the federal government to
improve operational coordination with state and local partners; enhance
federal agency coordination and information sharing; modernize policies,
regulations and standards; and work with stakeholders to identify best
practices to improve chemical safety.
President Obama established the Chemical Facility Safety and Security
Working Group. To this end, this advisory was developed by working group
members and was facilitated by the working group process.
View the advisory and more information on EPA's risk management program:
http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/rmp/index.htm
View President Obama's Executive Order:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/08/01/executive-order-improving-chemical-facility-safety-and-security
Oil Spill
BP answers Jindal criticism
Baton Rouge Advocate
by michelle millhollon
A day after Gov. Bobby Jindal accused BP of splashing out more on
advertising than coastal restoration, the company fired back.
http://theadvocate.com/home/6914782-125/bp-criticizes-governor
BP asks 5th Circuit to throw out claims settlement unless separate appeal
on claims process is granted
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
August 30, 2013 at 10:25 PM
BP asked the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday to throw out a
massive settlement of private claims stemming from the 2010 Deepwater
Horizon oil spill if the appeal judges don't reverse a lower court's
decision upholding how large business claims are being paid.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/08/bp_asks_5th_circuit_to_throw_o.html
BP expands challenge to Gulf spill settlement
BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW ORLEANS -- BP is trying to convince a federal appeals court that it
should throw out a judge's approval of the company's multibillion-dollar
settlement related to the Gulf oil spill if a separate appeal is
unsuccessful.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/30/3596062/bp-urges-court-to-toss-judges.html
BP's New Approach to Deepwater Horizon Damages: Start Over
Wall Street Journal
Companies don't typically spend a year crafting a multibillion dollar
settlement and then turn around and argue against it. But BP PLC's oil
spill litigation is proving to be anything but typical.
http://blogs.wsj.com/corporate-intelligence/2013/08/30/bps-new-approach-to-deepwater-horizon-damages-start-over/
BP finds unlikely ally in fight over spill payments
Houston Chronicle
BP has found an unlikely ally in its fight to cut what it is paying out
under last year's multibillion-dollar class-action Gulf of Mexico oil spill
settlement: people who say they aren't getting enough money.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/08/30/bp-finds-unlikely-ally-in-fight-over-spill-payments/
State
Jackson County rolls out new recycling options
WLOX
Jackson County officials said not enough people are using curbside
recycling in the unincorporated part of the county. County officials want
to do something about that.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23318972/jackson-county-rolls-out-new-recycling-options
Chemical spill closes part of County Farm Rd overnight
WLOX
Part of County Farm Road, near the I-10 overpass, was closed down Friday
night after a non-hazardous chemical spill.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23306231/chemical-spill-closes-part-of-county-farm-rd-overnight
Gulf Coast Research Lab student studying dolphin virus
WLOX
A student at USM's Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs is helping
scientists identify the virus that's blamed for killing more than 350
dolphins along the East Coast this year.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23303954/gulf-coast-research-lab-student-studying-dolphin-virus
Regional
Facing Fire Over Challenge to Louisiana's Oil Industry
NY Times
By CAMPBELL ROBERTSON
BATON ROUGE, La. — State Senator Gerald Long of Louisiana calls it "kind of
a gentlemen's agreement."
For the generations since Mr. Long's third cousin Huey P. Long was the
governor, this state has relied on the oil and gas industry for a
considerable part of its revenues and for tens of thousands of jobs. In
return, the industry has largely found the state an obliging partner and
staunch political ally as it has fought off curbs on its business.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/01/us/facing-fire-over-challenge-to-louisianas-oil-industry.html?ref=earth&_r=0&pagewanted=print
National
Greenhouse-Gas Fight Escalates
Administration's Higher Estimate for Cost of Carbon Raises Ire of Critics
Wall Street Journal
By KEITH JOHNSON
WASHINGTON—A quiet move by the Obama administration to put a higher price
tag on greenhouse-gas emissions has sparked a big fight, prompting new
legislation in Congress and sniping in academic circles.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324324404579040950076712782.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Feds, looking to Texas blast, release chemical safety guide
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 08/30/13 05:36 PM ET
Federal regulators are issuing a new safety advisory for companies that
deal with the substance at the root of a fertilizer plant explosion in
April.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/administration/319749-feds-looking-to-texas-blast-release-chemical-safety-guide
EPA sued over scuttled factory-farming rule
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 08/30/13 11:28 AM ET
A number of environmental and animal welfare groups are suing the Obama
administration for dropping a rule expanding federal oversight of
industrial livestock farms.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/court-battles/319629-epa-sued-over-scuttled-factory-farming-rule
4 states' attorneys general dispute fracking rules
AP
Attorney General Tim Fox says Montana is joining Alabama, Alaska and
Oklahoma in protesting Bureau of Land Management plans to regulate
hydraulic fracturing on federal land.
http://www.ktoo.org/2013/08/30/4-states-attorneys-general-dispute-fracking-rules/
Opinion
Getting important work done
Daily Comet
Published: Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 6:26 p.m.
The panel in charge of directing much of the BP oil spill fine money has
agreed on a preliminary plan for the process.
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20130831/OPINION/130839884?Title=Getting-important-work-done
Geoff Pender: Nuclear waste? Oh, not I
Clarion Ledger
Note to Mississippi politicians: back away from the nuclear waste proposal.
It could end your career. It is, pardon the pun, radioactive.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130901/COL0601/309010034/Geoff-Pender-Nuclear-waste-Oh-not-I?odyssey=mod|
newswell|text|Opinion|p
Sam R. Hall: Gov., MEI bungle nuke waste idea
Clarion Ledger
It is rare to see possible economic development opportunities publicly
mismanaged early in the process, but the Mississippi Energy Institute put
on a clinic in what not to do when trying to bring a new industry to a
state.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130901/COL0401/309010018/Sam-R-Hall-Gov-MEI-bungle-nuke-waste-idea?odyssey=mod|
newswell|text|Opinion|p
Bad Ethanol Policy Is a Job Killer
The price of EPA compliance rose 3,625% since the end of 2012.
Wall Street Journal
By PATRICK MEEHAN
And PAT EIDING
Like most ideas in Congress, the Renewable Fuel Standard was rooted in
good intention. Enacted in 2005 by President George W. Bush and with
strong bipartisan support, the RFS was designed to improve energy security
and the environment by requiring that the transportation fuels Americans
use include a minimum amount of renewable fuels.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324653004578650353641142838.html?mod=wsj_streaming_stream
Press Releases
EPA, OSHA and ATF Provide Information and Lessons Learned About the Safe
Storage, Handling and Management of Ammonium Nitrate
WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued a chemical advisory
that provides information on the hazards of ammonium nitrate (AN) storage,
handling and management. This action supports the goals of President
Obama's August 2013 executive order on "Improving Chemical Facility Safety
and Security." The advisory provides lessons learned for facility owners
and operators, emergency planners and first responders from recent
incidents, including the explosion in West, Texas, involving AN in order to
prevent similar incidents.
"Understanding and minimizing the hazards posed by solid ammonium nitrate
used in fertilizers is a key component of this advisory," said Mathy
Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response. "In addition, the community emergency planning and
response information in this document provides a valuable tool that will
help protect workers, first responders and communities throughout the
country."
"Ammonium nitrate can be very dangerous, and it's imperative that
employers, workers and first responders all understand the hazards," said
Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety
and Health. "With this understanding, together they can control these
hazards and save lives and limbs."
"ATF National Response Team works closely with other federal, state and
local emergency personnel responding to incidents, to include ammonium
nitrate explosions," says Arthur Herbert, ATF Assistant Director for the
Office of Enforcement Programs and Services. "ATF maintains an open
dialogue with first responders of the possible hazards of ammonium nitrate
and is committed to working towards development of best practices in
collaboration with our federal partners, industry members and their
association representatives."
The advisory takes steps now to reduce the risks associated with AN to
workers, first responders and communities. It is part of an ongoing
coordinated federal government effort to improve chemical safety with
regards to AN and includes information on ensuring proper building design,
storage containers and fire protection at their locations; learning from
other accidents; and knowing and understanding the hazards that exist when
developing their emergency response plans.
Earlier this month, President Obama directed the federal government to
improve operational coordination with state and local partners; enhance
federal agency coordination and information sharing; modernize policies,
regulations and standards; and work with stakeholders to identify best
practices to improve chemical safety.
President Obama established the Chemical Facility Safety and Security
Working Group. To this end, this advisory was developed by working group
members and was facilitated by the working group process.
View the advisory and more information on EPA's risk management program:
http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/rmp/index.htm
View President Obama's Executive Order:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/08/01/executive-order-improving-chemical-facility-safety-and-security
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