12.4.2013
Oil Spill
Oysters on the brink: 'It's not a decline; it's zero population'
Houma Today
By Xerxes Wilson
Published: Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 9:57 a.m.
Three years after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, local oystermen and
processors say Louisiana oysters are tough to come by this winter and the
state's $300 million annual industry is suffering.
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20131203/ARTICLES/131209931
BP gets support from United Kingdom, business advocates in fight for
business in U.S.
Katherine Sayre
The Times-Picayune
December 03, 2013 at 5:31 PM
The United Kingdom government and several business advocacy groups are
supporting oil giant BP's legal fight to be get future contracts with the
U.S. government, including drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and selling fuel
to federal agencies.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2013/12/bp_gets_support_from_united_ki.html#incart_river
Obstruction of justice trial begins for ex-BP engineer who deleted texts
The Associated Press
December 03, 2013 at 8:20 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- A federal prosecutor vowed Tuesday to prove that a former BP
drilling engineer was trying to destroy evidence when he deleted hundreds
of text messages from a cellphone after the company's 2010 oil spill in the
Gulf of Mexico.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/obstruction_of_justice_trial_b.html#incart_river
State
D'Iberville must forfeit $1.1 million of $3 million Ocean Expo grant
Sun Herald
BY MARY PEREZ
D'IBERVILLE -- The city must refund more than $1 million of a $3 million BP
grant awarded to cover some of the expense of bringing Ocean Expo aquarium
to D'Iberville, and the total could go higher.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/03/5165546/diberville-must-forfeit-11-million.html
Jackson County supervisors hear height issues with MacLand
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSONAND CHRISTINA STEUBE
December 2, 2013
PASCAGOULA -- The Jackson County Board of Supervisors promised Gayla
Crowley on Monday it would look into whether MacLand Disposal in Escatawpa
is greatly exceeding height limits on the piles of garbage and trash it
stores.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/02/5162151/jackson-county-supervisors-hear.html
State alleges mismanagement at Asian Americans for Change
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
December 3, 2013
The chairperson of Asian Americans for Change used the nonprofit's money to
pay workers at her private, for-profit business and failed to justify at
least part of her own nonprofit salary of $61,100 for 2012, a substantial
increase over her previous pay, alleges a consent agreement she signed with
the secretary of state's Charities Division.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/03/5165375/state-alleges-mismanagement-at.html
Annual report gives good marks to Gautier's private-public works
partnership
Mississippi Press
Joanne Anderson
December 03, 2013 at 9:41 PM
GAUTIER, Mississippi -- "It's been an easy transition," ClearWater
Solutions engineer Chad Jordan said Tuesday night in his first annual
report on the public-private partnership between CWS and the city of
Gautier.
… Heard an update from Tammy L. Wisco, senior planner/senior engineer for
Eco-Systems, Jackson County's consultant on Stormwater Management, on Phase
II of the Stormwater Program and the upcoming Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality permit for the city.
The program includes several components, such as public
education/involvement, illicit discharge identification/elimination,
construction site storm water runoff control, post construction storm water
management and pollution prevention/good housekeeping.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/annual_report_gives_good_marks.html#incart_river
Bullet proof fabric used to build reinforced sand dunes
WLOX
HARRISON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) - A product used by the military to stop
bullets, might prevent the sand beach from blowing onto Highway 90. The
company that markets that product is using it to build a reinforced sand
dune.
http://www.wlox.com/story/24127934/bullet-proof-fabric-used-to-build-reinforced-sand-dunes
Public Service Commissioner Says Organization Needs to Change How It
Regulates
MPB
A top official at the Mississippi Public Service Commission says the
organization needs to do more to ensure utility companies around the state
are working in the best interest of Mississippians. MPB's Paul Boger
reports.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/public_service_commissioner_says_organization_needs_to_change_how_it_regula
Mississippi Supreme Court denies Pickering motion to stay newspaper case
Sun Herald will argue Pickering's contempt hearing should be public
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
GULFPORT -- The Mississippi Supreme Court on Tuesday denied State Auditor
Stacey Pickering's motion to stay a Chancery Court lawsuit the Sun Herald
filed against him, which means a contempt hearing against Pickering and his
office should go forward as scheduled at 9:30 a.m. today at the Harrison
County Courthouse in Gulfport.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/03/5164731/mississippi-supreme-court-denies.html
Miss. signs retirement contract
Clarion Ledger
Great-West Financial has signed a five-year contract with the state Public
Employees' Retirement System to administer the Mississippi Government
Employees' Deferred Compensation Plan & Trust.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131204/BIZ/312040007/Miss-signs-retirement-contract-with
National
Reforestation Along Mississippi River Will Reduce Agricultural Runoff,
Revive Gulf of Mexico
Nature World News
By James A. Foley
A proactive reforesting effort in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley
would lead to a significant reduction of agricultural runoff and sediment
flowing into the area's streams, rivers and, ultimately, the Gulf of
Mexico, according to new research by the US Forest Service.
http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/5153/20131202/reforestation-along-mississippi-river-will-reduce-agricultural-runoff-revive-gulf.htm
Report: Prepare for climate tipping points
Politico
By: Andrew Restuccia
December 4, 2013 05:06 AM EST
Climate change isn't just a problem facing future generations, a new
scientific report warns, saying the planet could suffer serious and abrupt
climate threats in the next few years or decades — leaving nations with a
narrow window to adapt.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/national-research-council-report-climate-change-could-hit-tipping-points-environment-100615.html?hp=l11
Greens weigh in on EPA fracking guidance
The HIll
By Julian Hattem
Environmental organizations are telling the Obama administration how it
should write guidance for some hydraulic fracturing, or fracking,
operations.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/pending-regs/191948-greens-weigh-in-on-epa-fracking-guidance
In Fracking, Sand Is the New Gold
Energy Boom Fuels Demand for Key Ingredient Used in Drilling Wells; 100
Sand Mines in Wisconsin
Wall Street Journal
By ALISON SIDER and KRISTIN JONES
Dec. 2, 2013 7:49 p.m. ET
The race to drill for oil in the U.S. is creating another boom—in sand, a
key ingredient in fracking.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304868404579194250973656942
Nancy Sutley to leave White House environment job
Politico
By ANDREW RESTUCCIA |
12/3/13 4:12 PM EST
White House Council on Environmental Quality chairwoman Nancy Sutley will
leave her post in February, the White House said Tuesday.
http://www.politico.com/politico44/2013/12/nancy-sutley-to-leave-white-house-environment-job-178739.html?hp=r9
Press Releases
USDA, EPA Partnership Supports Water Quality Trading To Benefit
Environment, Economy
WASHINGTON – The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced an expanded
partnership to support water quality trading and other market-based
approaches that provide benefits to the environment and economy.
"New water quality trading markets hold incredible potential to benefit
rural America by providing new income opportunities and enhancing
conservation of water and wildlife habitat," Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack said. "Additionally, these efforts will strengthen businesses
across the nation by providing a new pathway to comply with regulatory
requirements."
"EPA is committed to finding collaborative solutions that protect and
restore our nation's waterways and the health of the communities that
depend on them," said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "We're excited about
partnering with USDA to expand support for water quality trading, which
shows that environmental improvements can mean a better bottom line for
farmers and ranchers."
Water quality trading provides a cost-effective approach for regulated
entities to comply with EPA Clean Water Act requirements, including water
quality-based effluent limits in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System permits. Trading would allow regulated entities to purchase and use
pollutant reduction credits generated by other sources in a watershed. Cost
savings and other economic incentives are key motivators for parties
engaged in trading. Water quality trading can also provide additional
environmental and economic benefits, such as air quality improvements,
enhanced wildlife habitat, carbon capture and storage, and new income and
employment opportunities for rural America.
EPA and USDA are working together to implement and coordinate policies and
programs that encourage water quality trading. The Department and the
Agency will identify opportunities to work collaboratively to help improve
water quality trading programs across the country. Cooperative management
and technical assistance will improve resource management and public
services, and accelerate implementation.
USDA and EPA will:
- Coordinate and enhance communications and outreach to states,
agricultural producers, regulated sources, and interested third parties on
water quality trading;
- Engage expertise across agencies in the review of grants, loans or
technical assistance programs focused on water quality trading;
- Share information on the development of rules and guidance that have the
potential to affect water quality trading;
- Collaborate on developing tools and information resources for states and
credit generators to guide decision making, reduce costs in program design
and implementation, improve environmental performance, and foster
consistency and integrity across regional initiatives;
- Co-host a workshop by 2015 to share tools and resources available to
assist in stakeholder decision making and opportunities.
The purpose of this policy is to support states, interstate agencies and
tribes as they develop and implement water quality trading programs for
nutrients, sediments and other pollutants where opportunities exist to
achieve water quality improvements at reduced costs.
EPA and DOE Release Annual Fuel Economy Guide with 2014 Models
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
Department of Energy (DOE) are releasing the 2014 Fuel Economy Guide,
providing consumers with a valuable resource to identify and choose the
most fuel efficient and low greenhouse gas emitting vehicles that meet
their needs. The 2014 models include efficient and low-emission vehicles in
a variety of classes and sizes, ensuring a wide variety of choices
available for consumers.
"For American families, the financial and environmental bottom lines are
high priorities when shopping for a new vehicle," said Administrator Gina
McCarthy." This year's guide is not just about how the latest models stack
up against each other; it's about providing people the best information
possible to make smart decisions affecting their pocketbooks and the
planet."
"The Energy Department is committed to building a strong 21st century
transportation sector that cuts harmful pollution, saves consumer money and
leads to a more sustainable energy future," said Energy Secretary Ernest
Moniz. "By providing reliable, user-friendly fuel economy information, the
Fuel Economy Guide is helping Americans choose the right fuel efficient
vehicle for their family and business and save money at the pump."
The guide provides "Top Ten" lists allowing consumers to see the most
efficient advanced technology vehicles as well as the most efficient
gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. Consumers will also find a broad
range of information in the guide that can be helpful while shopping for a
new vehicle— including an estimated annual fuel cost for each vehicle. The
estimate is based on the vehicle's miles per gallon (mpg) rating and
national estimates for annual mileage and fuel prices. An online version of
the guide, available through www.fueleconomy.gov, allows consumers to enter
local gasoline prices and typical driving habits to receive a personalized
fuel cost estimate. Also, for the second consecutive year, the guide
includes a 1-10 greenhouse gas rating for each model, providing a quick and
easy way for consumers to identify vehicles with low greenhouse gas
emissions.
EPA fuel economy estimates are the best way to compare the fuel economy
among vehicles. Official fuel economy testing is controlled, repeatable,
and accounts for a variety of real-world conditions for the average driver,
like air conditioning usage and a variety of speed and temperature
conditions. Individual mileage will vary depending on factors such as
driving style, high air conditioning usage, carrying extra weight and
towing, and weather.
For tips on more efficient driving check out the gas mileage tips at
http://fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml.
More information, including a complete version of the guide and details on
the fuel economy labels: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ and at
http://fueleconomy.gov/m/ for mobile devices. EPA and DOE will update the
guide online as more 2014 vehicles become available.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
News Clippings 12.3.13
12.3.13
Oil Spill
5th Circuit orders temporary halt to business loss payments without proof
of BP oil spill damage
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 03, 2013 at 3:26 AM
Just 10 days after a federal judge in New Orleans lambasted BP for
demanding that businesses must prove their losses were caused by the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill before being paid under the terms of a private
settlement, an appeals court ordered the judge not to allow such payments
without proof that losses resulted from the spill.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/5th_circuit_orders_temporary_h.html#incart_river
Court Calls for Broader Review of BP Spill Funds
A court ruling Monday might spare BP PLC from making hundreds of millions
of dollars in compensation payments stemming from its 2010 oil spill.
Wall Street Journal
By TOM FOWLER
Dec. 2, 2013 10:31 p.m. ET
A federal-appeals-court ruling late Monday might spare BP BP.LN -0.47% PLC
from making hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation payments
stemming from its 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304854804579234882249561484?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Jury selection begins in trial of former BP engineer
Mix accused of deleting evidence in wake of explosion
Baton Rouge Advocate
BY RICHARD THOMPSON
Attorneys and a federal judge began questioning prospective jurors Monday
in the trial of a former BP engineer accused of trying to stymie government
investigators by deleting text messages and voice mails in the wake of the
2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.
http://theadvocate.com/news/7740047-123/jury-selection-begins-in-trial
State
MDEQ grants target hazardous waste, illegal dump sites
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality has awarded grants to some area agencies to help with disposal of
hazardous household waste and illegal dumpsite enforcement.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/MDEQ-grants-target-hazardous-waste-illegal-dump/sT9dG2e8NUKzEsecEypQ8Q.cspx
Environmental slab to cover contamination at Signet Maritime's Pascagoula
facility
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
December 02, 2013 at 1:58 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Jackson County supervisors and Port of
Pascagoula commissioners on Monday approved a joint resolution to have an
environmental slab constructed at Signet Maritime Corp.'s facility in
Pascagoula.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/environmental_slab_to_cover_co.html#incart_river
Signet Maritime gets $523,000 Katrina grant
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
PASCAGOULA -- The Jackson County Board of Supervisors and the Port of
Pascagoula approved using federal Katrina money Monday morning to build a
containment slab at a shipyard in Pascagoula.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/02/5162116/signet-maritime-gets-523000-katrina.html
Jackson County awards $9.2 million contract for east side water treatment
plant
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
December 02, 2013 at 11:08 AM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Jackson County supervisors this morning awarded
a $9.2 million construction contract for a plant that will treat Pascagoula
River water for residents in east Jackson County, an area leaders say
struggles with low water quality.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/jackson_county_awards_92_milli.html#incart_river
Water treatment plant to be built in northeast Jackson County
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
PASCAGOULA -- Jackson County announced Monday it would move immediately
into construction of a $9.2 million drinking water plant that is part of a
project, almost 20 years in the making, to use water from the Pascagoula
River to supply businesses and homes in northeast Jackson County.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/02/5162147/water-treatment-plant-to-be-built.html
PSC's Renfroe says he won't run for seat in 2015
Clarion Ledger
Southern District Public Service Commissioner Steve Renfroe won't run for
election in 2015 and said the agreement limiting Mississippi Power's
recovery costs for its Kemper County coal plant "is brilliant."
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131203/NEWS01/312030011/PSC-s-Renfroe-says-he-won-t-run-seat-2015
Schloegel 'ponders with astonishment' actions of auditor, attorney general
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
Chancery Court Judge Jennifer Schloegel questions in a statement filed with
the Mississippi Supreme Court whether State Auditor Stacey Pickering,
Attorney General Jim Hood and the U.S. Attorney's Office have committed
fraud on the court and abused the grand jury process.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/02/5161557/schloegel-ponders-with-astonishment.html
Regional
State may sue Army Corps of Engineers over Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet
wetlands restoration
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 02, 2013 at 2:41 PM
The state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will discuss Tuesday
whether to file suit against the Army Corps of Engineers to enforce a
congressional requirement that the agency pay the full cost of its proposed
$3 billion plan to restore wetlands and land destroyed by the construction
and operation of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/12/state_may_sue_army_corps_of_en.html#incart_river
National
EPA to be 'flexible' on carbon standards
The Hil
By Laura Barron-Lopez
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy on Monday said
her agency would give states great flexibility in meeting new requirements
for carbon emissions from power plants.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/191743-epa-to-be-flexible-with-states-on-carbon-standards
EPA chief defends emissions listening tour
The Hill
By Julian Hattem
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday defended a
"listening tour" on emissions regulations that critics say deliberately
skipped major coal-producing states.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energy-environment/191728-epa-chief-defends-emissions-listening-tour
EPA chief: U.S. and China must lead way on climate regs
The Hill
By Laura Barron-Lopez
Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy stressed the need for
the U.S. to play a key role in leading international talks on climate
change.
Another leader in those talks is China, McCarthy said Monday at an event
hosted by the liberal Center for American Progress.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/191822-epa-chief-us-and-china-must-lead-way-on-climate-regs
Both parties reject EPA fire hydrant rule
The Hill
By Pete Kasperowicz
The House voted Monday to override an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
regulation that would require new fire hydrants to be lead-free by early
next year.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/votes/191828-gop-dems-reject-epa-rule-on-fire-hydrants
Opinion
Restoration of Gulf Coast off to a solid start
Clarion Ledger
Jill Mastrototaro
Guest Columnist
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently announced funding for 22
restoration projects across the Gulf Coast, including three in Mississippi.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131203/OPINION/312030002/Restoration-Gulf-Coast-off-solid-start
Press Releases
EPA Approves Redesignation of Atlanta Area to Attainment for Ozone
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421,
harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
ATLANTA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it
is taking final action to approve the state of Georgia's request to
redesignate the Atlanta area to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone
standard. This action is based on air quality monitoring data for the
three-year period of 2008, 2009, and 2010 that meets the standard. The area
continues to attain this standard.
"This is a great accomplishment for the Atlanta area, a product of strong
collaboration among government, the business community, environmental
organizations and ordinary citizens." said Acting EPA Regional
Administrator Stan Meiburg. "Together with our partners at the Georgia
Environmental Protection Division, we look forward to continued progress in
improving Atlanta's air quality."
The Atlanta area has made significant progress in improving air quality.
This progress is a result of hard work and great cooperation among local,
state and federal agencies, private partners and the over four million
Georgians who live and work in the Atlanta area. The Atlanta area impacted
by this proposed action includes the following 20 counties: Barrow,
Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette,
Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale,
Spalding and Walton.
"All of metropolitan Atlanta can be proud of this major accomplishment.
Everyone should be applauded, from citizens who keep their vehicles in good
running condition to industries and power plants that have invested in
improved emission controls," said Judson H. Turner, Director of the Georgia
Environmental Protection Division. "It has taken many years, but the
results are cleaner air and a healthier place to live and work."
Ground level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is
created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile
organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from
industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust,
gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx
and VOC. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems
including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can
worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground level ozone also can
reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated
exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.
For more information on the Atlanta area proposed 1997 8-hour ozone
redesignation, visit docket number EPA-R04-OAR-2012-0986 at
www.regulations.gov.
EPA Approves Redesignation of Charlotte Area to Attainment for Ozone
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421,
harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
ATLANTA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it
is taking final action to approve the state of North Carolina's request to
redesignate the Charlotte area to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone
standard. This action is based on air quality monitoring data for the
three-year period of 2008, 2009, and 2010 that meets the standard. The area
continues to attain this standard. On December 26, 2012, EPA took final
action on the South Carolina portion of the Charlotte Area.
"We commend the hard work of state and local officials to implement the
control measures needed to reduce ozone pollution and improve Charlotte's
air quality," said Acting EPA Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg. "We will
continue to work with state and local agencies to improve air quality and
protect public health."
The Charlotte area has made significant progress in improving air quality.
This progress is a result of hard work and great cooperation among local,
state and federal agencies, private partners and the over two million North
Carolinians who live and work in the Charlotte area. The Charlotte area
impacted by this action includes the following 6 full counties and 1
partial county: Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union and a
portion of Iredell.
"The redesignation of the Charlotte area represents a successful
collaboration of all levels of government, business and industry partners,
and the citizens of the region," said N.C. Governor Pat McCrory, who
worked on the issue extensively as mayor of Charlotte from 1995-2009. "It
is a big step for economic development in the region and, more importantly,
it means that all who live in and near Charlotte are breathing cleaner
air."
Ground level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is
created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile
organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from
industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust,
gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx
and VOC. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems
including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can
worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground level ozone also can
reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated
exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.
For more information on the Charlotte area proposed 1997 8-hour ozone
redesignation, visit docket number EPA-R04-OAR-2012-0986 at
www.regulations.gov.
Oil Spill
5th Circuit orders temporary halt to business loss payments without proof
of BP oil spill damage
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 03, 2013 at 3:26 AM
Just 10 days after a federal judge in New Orleans lambasted BP for
demanding that businesses must prove their losses were caused by the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill before being paid under the terms of a private
settlement, an appeals court ordered the judge not to allow such payments
without proof that losses resulted from the spill.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/5th_circuit_orders_temporary_h.html#incart_river
Court Calls for Broader Review of BP Spill Funds
A court ruling Monday might spare BP PLC from making hundreds of millions
of dollars in compensation payments stemming from its 2010 oil spill.
Wall Street Journal
By TOM FOWLER
Dec. 2, 2013 10:31 p.m. ET
A federal-appeals-court ruling late Monday might spare BP BP.LN -0.47% PLC
from making hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation payments
stemming from its 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304854804579234882249561484?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5
Jury selection begins in trial of former BP engineer
Mix accused of deleting evidence in wake of explosion
Baton Rouge Advocate
BY RICHARD THOMPSON
Attorneys and a federal judge began questioning prospective jurors Monday
in the trial of a former BP engineer accused of trying to stymie government
investigators by deleting text messages and voice mails in the wake of the
2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.
http://theadvocate.com/news/7740047-123/jury-selection-begins-in-trial
State
MDEQ grants target hazardous waste, illegal dump sites
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality has awarded grants to some area agencies to help with disposal of
hazardous household waste and illegal dumpsite enforcement.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/MDEQ-grants-target-hazardous-waste-illegal-dump/sT9dG2e8NUKzEsecEypQ8Q.cspx
Environmental slab to cover contamination at Signet Maritime's Pascagoula
facility
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
December 02, 2013 at 1:58 PM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Jackson County supervisors and Port of
Pascagoula commissioners on Monday approved a joint resolution to have an
environmental slab constructed at Signet Maritime Corp.'s facility in
Pascagoula.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/environmental_slab_to_cover_co.html#incart_river
Signet Maritime gets $523,000 Katrina grant
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
PASCAGOULA -- The Jackson County Board of Supervisors and the Port of
Pascagoula approved using federal Katrina money Monday morning to build a
containment slab at a shipyard in Pascagoula.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/02/5162116/signet-maritime-gets-523000-katrina.html
Jackson County awards $9.2 million contract for east side water treatment
plant
Mississippi Press
April M. Havens
December 02, 2013 at 11:08 AM
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Jackson County supervisors this morning awarded
a $9.2 million construction contract for a plant that will treat Pascagoula
River water for residents in east Jackson County, an area leaders say
struggles with low water quality.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/12/jackson_county_awards_92_milli.html#incart_river
Water treatment plant to be built in northeast Jackson County
Sun Herald
BY KAREN NELSON
PASCAGOULA -- Jackson County announced Monday it would move immediately
into construction of a $9.2 million drinking water plant that is part of a
project, almost 20 years in the making, to use water from the Pascagoula
River to supply businesses and homes in northeast Jackson County.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/02/5162147/water-treatment-plant-to-be-built.html
PSC's Renfroe says he won't run for seat in 2015
Clarion Ledger
Southern District Public Service Commissioner Steve Renfroe won't run for
election in 2015 and said the agreement limiting Mississippi Power's
recovery costs for its Kemper County coal plant "is brilliant."
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131203/NEWS01/312030011/PSC-s-Renfroe-says-he-won-t-run-seat-2015
Schloegel 'ponders with astonishment' actions of auditor, attorney general
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
Chancery Court Judge Jennifer Schloegel questions in a statement filed with
the Mississippi Supreme Court whether State Auditor Stacey Pickering,
Attorney General Jim Hood and the U.S. Attorney's Office have committed
fraud on the court and abused the grand jury process.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/02/5161557/schloegel-ponders-with-astonishment.html
Regional
State may sue Army Corps of Engineers over Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet
wetlands restoration
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 02, 2013 at 2:41 PM
The state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority will discuss Tuesday
whether to file suit against the Army Corps of Engineers to enforce a
congressional requirement that the agency pay the full cost of its proposed
$3 billion plan to restore wetlands and land destroyed by the construction
and operation of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet.
http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/12/state_may_sue_army_corps_of_en.html#incart_river
National
EPA to be 'flexible' on carbon standards
The Hil
By Laura Barron-Lopez
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy on Monday said
her agency would give states great flexibility in meeting new requirements
for carbon emissions from power plants.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/191743-epa-to-be-flexible-with-states-on-carbon-standards
EPA chief defends emissions listening tour
The Hill
By Julian Hattem
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday defended a
"listening tour" on emissions regulations that critics say deliberately
skipped major coal-producing states.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energy-environment/191728-epa-chief-defends-emissions-listening-tour
EPA chief: U.S. and China must lead way on climate regs
The Hill
By Laura Barron-Lopez
Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy stressed the need for
the U.S. to play a key role in leading international talks on climate
change.
Another leader in those talks is China, McCarthy said Monday at an event
hosted by the liberal Center for American Progress.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/191822-epa-chief-us-and-china-must-lead-way-on-climate-regs
Both parties reject EPA fire hydrant rule
The Hill
By Pete Kasperowicz
The House voted Monday to override an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
regulation that would require new fire hydrants to be lead-free by early
next year.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/votes/191828-gop-dems-reject-epa-rule-on-fire-hydrants
Opinion
Restoration of Gulf Coast off to a solid start
Clarion Ledger
Jill Mastrototaro
Guest Columnist
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently announced funding for 22
restoration projects across the Gulf Coast, including three in Mississippi.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131203/OPINION/312030002/Restoration-Gulf-Coast-off-solid-start
Press Releases
EPA Approves Redesignation of Atlanta Area to Attainment for Ozone
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421,
harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
ATLANTA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it
is taking final action to approve the state of Georgia's request to
redesignate the Atlanta area to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone
standard. This action is based on air quality monitoring data for the
three-year period of 2008, 2009, and 2010 that meets the standard. The area
continues to attain this standard.
"This is a great accomplishment for the Atlanta area, a product of strong
collaboration among government, the business community, environmental
organizations and ordinary citizens." said Acting EPA Regional
Administrator Stan Meiburg. "Together with our partners at the Georgia
Environmental Protection Division, we look forward to continued progress in
improving Atlanta's air quality."
The Atlanta area has made significant progress in improving air quality.
This progress is a result of hard work and great cooperation among local,
state and federal agencies, private partners and the over four million
Georgians who live and work in the Atlanta area. The Atlanta area impacted
by this proposed action includes the following 20 counties: Barrow,
Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette,
Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Rockdale,
Spalding and Walton.
"All of metropolitan Atlanta can be proud of this major accomplishment.
Everyone should be applauded, from citizens who keep their vehicles in good
running condition to industries and power plants that have invested in
improved emission controls," said Judson H. Turner, Director of the Georgia
Environmental Protection Division. "It has taken many years, but the
results are cleaner air and a healthier place to live and work."
Ground level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is
created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile
organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from
industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust,
gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx
and VOC. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems
including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can
worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground level ozone also can
reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated
exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.
For more information on the Atlanta area proposed 1997 8-hour ozone
redesignation, visit docket number EPA-R04-OAR-2012-0986 at
www.regulations.gov.
EPA Approves Redesignation of Charlotte Area to Attainment for Ozone
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421,
harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
ATLANTA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it
is taking final action to approve the state of North Carolina's request to
redesignate the Charlotte area to attainment of the 1997 8-hour ozone
standard. This action is based on air quality monitoring data for the
three-year period of 2008, 2009, and 2010 that meets the standard. The area
continues to attain this standard. On December 26, 2012, EPA took final
action on the South Carolina portion of the Charlotte Area.
"We commend the hard work of state and local officials to implement the
control measures needed to reduce ozone pollution and improve Charlotte's
air quality," said Acting EPA Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg. "We will
continue to work with state and local agencies to improve air quality and
protect public health."
The Charlotte area has made significant progress in improving air quality.
This progress is a result of hard work and great cooperation among local,
state and federal agencies, private partners and the over two million North
Carolinians who live and work in the Charlotte area. The Charlotte area
impacted by this action includes the following 6 full counties and 1
partial county: Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Union and a
portion of Iredell.
"The redesignation of the Charlotte area represents a successful
collaboration of all levels of government, business and industry partners,
and the citizens of the region," said N.C. Governor Pat McCrory, who
worked on the issue extensively as mayor of Charlotte from 1995-2009. "It
is a big step for economic development in the region and, more importantly,
it means that all who live in and near Charlotte are breathing cleaner
air."
Ground level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is
created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile
organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from
industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust,
gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources of NOx
and VOC. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems
including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can
worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Ground level ozone also can
reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs. Repeated
exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.
For more information on the Charlotte area proposed 1997 8-hour ozone
redesignation, visit docket number EPA-R04-OAR-2012-0986 at
www.regulations.gov.
Monday, December 2, 2013
News Clippings 12.2.13
12.2.2013
Oil Spill
Ex-BP engineer who deleted texts heads to trial
BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN
Associated Press
December 1, 2013
NEW ORLEANS — Nearly a year after energy giant BP cut a deal to a resolve a
criminal investigation of its role in the nation's worst offshore oil
spill, a jury is set to hear the Justice Department's case against a former
company employee accused of trying to stymie the federal investigation.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/01/5158404/ex-bp-engineer-charged-over-texts.html?sp-tk=E1DB6C43C8AFA7876D46B18CD425E368940C9AC734A8140C81AE4362B5A2716EED5CE287B8716BDF6E4EE3000E7A6F3F6CD1B37C7DF7921E438397631A6C6EEC50DA0CCBCC1C36D7524117145D4664A0D27BABBF65B5E803DF5A39720B5543E92A8CE7127B4814A03DE3EB0C5895A359A4C5BEB6F349640387DFC30B52ADC0204FA6FD80CFCC8B671A8FE166B137032F44C59AB2A4ED93E63C8C29025877974DE97FC3FC
Defendants say they are scapegoats
Baton Rouge Advocate
By Richard Thompson and Claire Galofaro
Kurt Mix did not cause the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. He cannot be
blamed for the explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon, the corporate
recklessness that created it, or the 11 lives lost and 4.2 million barrels
of oil poured into the sea.
http://theadvocate.com/news/7715100-123/defendants-in-bp-oil-spill
Oral history project to document oil spill impact
Project funded with grant from NOAA
Hattiesburg American
University of Southern Mississippi Center for Oral History and Cultural
Heritage interviews with Gulf Coast marine harvesters affected by the 2010
Deepwater Horizon oil spill are included in an initiative supported with
funding by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20131127/NEWS01/131127009/Oral-history-project-document-oil-spill-impact-
State
MS fisheries stock waters with bluegill, crappie
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries,
and Parks has added more than half a million crappie and coppernose
bluegill to lakes around the state.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/MS-fisheries-stock-waters-with-bluegill-crappie/L2n-Yl3-Sk2urJN1UKXZhg.cspx
Subpoena precludes release of DMR files, auditor argues
AP
GULFPORT — State Auditor Stacey Pickering says his hands are tied by a
federal subpoena that prevents his releasing documents seized from state
Department of Marine Resources to a Gulf Coast newspaper.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20131202/NEWS01/312020003/Subpoena-precludes-release-DMR-files-auditor-argues
Watchdog: Miss. should do better to help vendors
BY JEFF AMY
Associated Press
December 1, 2013
JACKSON, MISS. — It's too hard for companies to track down information on
how to sell goods and services to state government and Mississippi should
make it easier to do business with the state, a legislative watchdog group
said.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/01/5158988/watchdog-miss-should-do-better.html?sp-tk=9F120A836F1116880BE8DBF4F1291746BDDC6BBCC7AB0A83880846A0D8C3B333DA23B75A4534A25D14F79C1221BCB99EDC6875E10C5D6C69D9AD020A95F743B6C1115502B555E0EF972FF259F0CEDE660650356286ABBD79CED692CE3AE46DE6F3AC2BF8CF02A4FF2C48E96CF339E16D5B7A41F974A1B8EA3D3C47D15F5702B6CC2CE061A8D59B587F3919EC22B7B863F7FD9D6AF793D370D31C994238419A307C4C879C
National
Cities, Counties, Mayors Urge Uniform Application of Mixing, Blending
Decision
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Bloomberg
By Amena H. Saiyid
Nov. 26 --Representatives of several groups urged the Environmental
Protection Agency to end regulatory confusion by applying nationally an
appeals court decision to invalidate the agency's policies prohibiting
bacteria mixing zones in receiving waters and the blending of partially and
fully treated wastewater during heavy rains.
http://www.bna.com/cities-counties-mayors-n17179880379/
Ethanol fans pushing back
EPA's plan to cut the fuel requirement worries producers
Gannett
WASHINGTON — Ethanol supporters are mounting an all-out lobbying blitz they
hope will convince the White House to backtrack on its decision to reduce
the amount of the renewable fuel required to be mixed into the country's
gasoline supply next year.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131201/BIZ/312010026/Ethanol-fans-pushing-back
Fracking requires chemicals and water, raising unresolved claims about
pollution
By Sean Cockerham
McClatchy Washington Bureau
Fracking, the controversial drilling technique that is driving America's
energy boom, has been around for decades. But it was only in the last
decade that the process of blasting underground rocks with water and
chemicals was refined enough to deliver a long sought oil and gas bounty
and stir a furious debate over its health and environmental consequences.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/28/3764671/fracking-requires-chemicals-and.html
Energy boom brings new life to old businesses across U.S.
By Kevin G. Hall
McClatchy Washington Bureau
This rust-bucket town near Buffalo is a perfect example of the
transformation that fracking has brought to American business, where new
life has been breathed into manufacturing and the nation's railroads even
as much the economy bumps along at a subpar pace.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/28/3764663/energy-boom-brings-new-life-to.html
The $38 billion nuclear waste fiasco
Politico
By: Darius Dixon
November 30, 2013 12:29 PM EST
Doing nothing often has a cost — and when it comes to storing the nation's
nuclear waste, the price is $38 billion and rising.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/nuclear-waste-fiasco-100450.html?hp=l20
Opinion
Editorial: Projects will restore Gulf Coast habitats
Friday, November 29, 2013 12:48pm
Tampa Bay Times
The recovery from the BP oil spill took a big step last month with the
announcement of $100 million in restoration efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.
The projects in five states, including Florida, will go a long way toward
strengthening the gulf ecosystem and the region's economy. Florida should
keep the focus on ecological health, coastal habitats and the fisheries as
it steers new work into the pipeline.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-projects-will-restore-gulf-coast-habitats/2154758
Oil Spill
Ex-BP engineer who deleted texts heads to trial
BY MICHAEL KUNZELMAN
Associated Press
December 1, 2013
NEW ORLEANS — Nearly a year after energy giant BP cut a deal to a resolve a
criminal investigation of its role in the nation's worst offshore oil
spill, a jury is set to hear the Justice Department's case against a former
company employee accused of trying to stymie the federal investigation.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/01/5158404/ex-bp-engineer-charged-over-texts.html?sp-tk=E1DB6C43C8AFA7876D46B18CD425E368940C9AC734A8140C81AE4362B5A2716EED5CE287B8716BDF6E4EE3000E7A6F3F6CD1B37C7DF7921E438397631A6C6EEC50DA0CCBCC1C36D7524117145D4664A0D27BABBF65B5E803DF5A39720B5543E92A8CE7127B4814A03DE3EB0C5895A359A4C5BEB6F349640387DFC30B52ADC0204FA6FD80CFCC8B671A8FE166B137032F44C59AB2A4ED93E63C8C29025877974DE97FC3FC
Defendants say they are scapegoats
Baton Rouge Advocate
By Richard Thompson and Claire Galofaro
Kurt Mix did not cause the catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. He cannot be
blamed for the explosion on BP's Deepwater Horizon, the corporate
recklessness that created it, or the 11 lives lost and 4.2 million barrels
of oil poured into the sea.
http://theadvocate.com/news/7715100-123/defendants-in-bp-oil-spill
Oral history project to document oil spill impact
Project funded with grant from NOAA
Hattiesburg American
University of Southern Mississippi Center for Oral History and Cultural
Heritage interviews with Gulf Coast marine harvesters affected by the 2010
Deepwater Horizon oil spill are included in an initiative supported with
funding by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20131127/NEWS01/131127009/Oral-history-project-document-oil-spill-impact-
State
MS fisheries stock waters with bluegill, crappie
WTVA
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries,
and Parks has added more than half a million crappie and coppernose
bluegill to lakes around the state.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/MS-fisheries-stock-waters-with-bluegill-crappie/L2n-Yl3-Sk2urJN1UKXZhg.cspx
Subpoena precludes release of DMR files, auditor argues
AP
GULFPORT — State Auditor Stacey Pickering says his hands are tied by a
federal subpoena that prevents his releasing documents seized from state
Department of Marine Resources to a Gulf Coast newspaper.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20131202/NEWS01/312020003/Subpoena-precludes-release-DMR-files-auditor-argues
Watchdog: Miss. should do better to help vendors
BY JEFF AMY
Associated Press
December 1, 2013
JACKSON, MISS. — It's too hard for companies to track down information on
how to sell goods and services to state government and Mississippi should
make it easier to do business with the state, a legislative watchdog group
said.
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/12/01/5158988/watchdog-miss-should-do-better.html?sp-tk=9F120A836F1116880BE8DBF4F1291746BDDC6BBCC7AB0A83880846A0D8C3B333DA23B75A4534A25D14F79C1221BCB99EDC6875E10C5D6C69D9AD020A95F743B6C1115502B555E0EF972FF259F0CEDE660650356286ABBD79CED692CE3AE46DE6F3AC2BF8CF02A4FF2C48E96CF339E16D5B7A41F974A1B8EA3D3C47D15F5702B6CC2CE061A8D59B587F3919EC22B7B863F7FD9D6AF793D370D31C994238419A307C4C879C
National
Cities, Counties, Mayors Urge Uniform Application of Mixing, Blending
Decision
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Bloomberg
By Amena H. Saiyid
Nov. 26 --Representatives of several groups urged the Environmental
Protection Agency to end regulatory confusion by applying nationally an
appeals court decision to invalidate the agency's policies prohibiting
bacteria mixing zones in receiving waters and the blending of partially and
fully treated wastewater during heavy rains.
http://www.bna.com/cities-counties-mayors-n17179880379/
Ethanol fans pushing back
EPA's plan to cut the fuel requirement worries producers
Gannett
WASHINGTON — Ethanol supporters are mounting an all-out lobbying blitz they
hope will convince the White House to backtrack on its decision to reduce
the amount of the renewable fuel required to be mixed into the country's
gasoline supply next year.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20131201/BIZ/312010026/Ethanol-fans-pushing-back
Fracking requires chemicals and water, raising unresolved claims about
pollution
By Sean Cockerham
McClatchy Washington Bureau
Fracking, the controversial drilling technique that is driving America's
energy boom, has been around for decades. But it was only in the last
decade that the process of blasting underground rocks with water and
chemicals was refined enough to deliver a long sought oil and gas bounty
and stir a furious debate over its health and environmental consequences.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/28/3764671/fracking-requires-chemicals-and.html
Energy boom brings new life to old businesses across U.S.
By Kevin G. Hall
McClatchy Washington Bureau
This rust-bucket town near Buffalo is a perfect example of the
transformation that fracking has brought to American business, where new
life has been breathed into manufacturing and the nation's railroads even
as much the economy bumps along at a subpar pace.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/28/3764663/energy-boom-brings-new-life-to.html
The $38 billion nuclear waste fiasco
Politico
By: Darius Dixon
November 30, 2013 12:29 PM EST
Doing nothing often has a cost — and when it comes to storing the nation's
nuclear waste, the price is $38 billion and rising.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/nuclear-waste-fiasco-100450.html?hp=l20
Opinion
Editorial: Projects will restore Gulf Coast habitats
Friday, November 29, 2013 12:48pm
Tampa Bay Times
The recovery from the BP oil spill took a big step last month with the
announcement of $100 million in restoration efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.
The projects in five states, including Florida, will go a long way toward
strengthening the gulf ecosystem and the region's economy. Florida should
keep the focus on ecological health, coastal habitats and the fisheries as
it steers new work into the pipeline.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-projects-will-restore-gulf-coast-habitats/2154758
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