1.6.2014
Oil Spill
Louisiana asks 5th Circuit to transfer its BP claims to another judge
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
January 04, 2014 at 12:28 AM
"In effect, the district court has told Louisiana that its rights are
non-existent." -- Attorney General Buddy Caldwell's motion
Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell on Tuesday asked the 5th U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals to transfer the state's Deepwater Horizon oil
spill damages lawsuit against BP and its drilling partners to another
judge, because U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier has refused to hear the
state's case until other legal proceedings involving BP are completed.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2014/01/louisiana_asks_5th_circuit_cou.html#incart_river
Councilwoman-environmentalists-question-19-million-fish-hatchery-proposal
WEAR
PENSACOLA - A proposed fish hatchery on Pensacola Bay is close to getting
BP funding, but some are asking if it will even be effective. The Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Wildlife Foundation of
Florida want to develop the $19 million hatchery.
http://www.weartv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/councilwoman-environmentalists-question-19-million-fish-hatchery-proposal-39959.shtml
State
Recycled materials market steadily improving
China, big retailers driving change
Becky Gillette
Mississippi Business Journal
Clarion Ledger
One difficulty with making a recycling program work is finding adequate
buyers for the recyclable materials who will turn those into a new product.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20140106/NEWS01/301060007/Recycled-materials-market-steadily-improving
Mississippi Power Co. says project will top $5 billion
ASSOCIATED PRESS
January 3, 2014
JACKSON -- Mississippi Power Co. now says the cost of its Kemper County
project will top $5 billion.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/03/5232210/mississippi-power-co-says-project.html
Lawmaker Wants To Beef Up Boards at Gulfport Port, DMR
MPB
BY EVELINA BURNETT | PUBLISHED 06 JAN 2014
Mississippi lawmakers are back in session tomorrow, and one coast senator
says he has a plan to beef up oversight at some state agencies.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/lawmaker_wants_to_shake_up_boards_of_port_dmr
Regional
Few Katrina legal battles linger 8 years later
The Associated Press
January 04, 2014 at 12:03 PM
NEW ORLEANS -- A team of plaintiffs' attorneys has spent roughly $16
million to sue the Army Corps of Engineers over levee breaches that flooded
most of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Joseph Bruno, one of those
lawyers, estimates that they ultimately will recoup a mere $3.5 million of
their investment.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2014/01/few_katrina_legal_battles_ling.html#incart_river
National
Some states confirm water pollution from drilling
Complaints from Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Texas examined
AP
PITTSBURGH — In at least four states that have nurtured the nation's energy
boom, hundreds of complaints have been made about well-water contamination
from oil or gas drilling, and pollution was confirmed in a number of them,
according to a review that casts doubt on industry suggestions that such
problems rarely happen.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/viewart/20140106/NEWS01/301060014/Some-states-confirm-water-pollution-from-drilling
U.S. EPA unlikely to step up fracking enforcement efforts for now -analysts
Reuters
Sun, Jan 5 2014
By Valerie Volcovici
WASHINGTON, Jan 5 (Reuters) - Federal regulators are unlikely to step up
enforcement of potential water contamination cases linked to natural gas
drilling - despite new concerns about water safety - given a lack of
political will and limited resources to pursue such cases, analysts said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/05/usa-energy-fracking-idUSL2N0KC0T320140105
Study Shows Fracking Is Bad for Babies
Bloomberg
By Mark Whitehouse - Jan 4, 2014
The energy industry has long insisted that hydraulic fracking -- the
practice of fracturing rock to extract gas and oil deep beneath the earth's
surface -- is safe for people who live nearby. New research suggests this
is not true for some of the most vulnerable humans: newborn infants.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/print/2014-01-04/study-shows-fracking-is-bad-for-babies.html
EPA unveils new furnace, boiler standards
The Hill
By Ben Goad
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed new standards Friday for
harmful emissions from new woodstoves and heaters, saying the rules could
yield as much as $2.4 billion in annual public health benefits.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energy-environment/194362-epa-unveils-new-furnace-boiler-standards
Opinion
SUN HERALD | Editorial: Accountability should be a legislative priority
The Mississippi Legislature has two opportunities this year to immeasurably
bolster public confidence in every aspect of state government.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/04/5232055/sun-herald-editorial-accountability.html
Column: How to spend oil spill fines wisely
· Tampa Bay Times
· By Daniel M. Rothschild
Friday, January 3, 2014 3:50pm
A federal judge in New Orleans will soon decide how much oil company BP has
to pay in Clean Water Act fines for its role in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon
spill. His decision will have ramifications for Florida's Gulf Coast for
decades to come, as will choices made in Tallahassee and in county seats
across the state.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/column-how-to-spend-oil-spill-fines-wisely/2159533
How the EPA Sticks Miners With a Motherlode of Regulation
The years-long wait for mining permits in the U.S. is the worst in the
world.
Wall Street Journal
By DANIEL MCGROARTY
Jan. 3, 2014 7:00 p.m. ET
On Dec. 13, the proposed Rosemont Copper project in southwestern
Arizona—which would produce about one-tenth of all the copper in the U.S.
every year—got the green light from the U.S. Forest Service to begin
operations.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304367204579268771980972030
Press Releases
EPA Proposes Updates to Air Standards for Newly Manufactured Woodstoves and
Heaters
Updates would make the next generation of woodstoves and heaters
significantly cleaner and more efficient
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing
standards for the amount of air pollution that can be emitted by new
woodstoves and heaters, beginning in 2015. The agency's proposal would make
the next generation of stoves and heaters an estimated 80 percent cleaner
than those manufactured today, leading to important air quality and public
health improvements in communities across the country. The proposal would
affect a variety of wood heaters manufactured beginning in 2015 and will
not affect heaters and stoves already in use in homes or currently for sale
today.
Smoke from residential wood heaters, which are used around the clock in
some communities, can increase toxic air pollution, volatile organic
compounds, carbon monoxide and soot, also known as particle pollution, to
levels that pose serious health concerns. Particle pollution is linked to a
wide range of serious health effects, including heart attacks, strokes and
asthma attacks. In some areas, residential wood smoke makes up a
significant portion of the fine particle pollution problem. EPA's proposal
would work in concert with state and local programs to improve air quality
in these communities.
The agency's proposal covers several types of new wood-fired heaters,
including: woodstoves, fireplace inserts, indoor and outdoor wood boilers
(also called hydronic heaters), forced air furnaces and masonry heaters.
Many residential wood heaters already meet the first set of proposed
standards, which would be phased in over five years to allow manufacturers
time to adapt emission control technologies to their particular model
lines. Today's proposal does not cover fireplaces, fire pits, pizza
ovens, barbecues and chimineas.
When these standards are fully implemented, EPA estimates that for every
dollar spent to comply with these standards, the American public will see
between $118 and $267 in health benefits. Consumers will also see a
monetary benefit from efficiency improvements in the new woodstoves, which
use less wood to heat homes. The total health and economic benefits of the
proposed standards are estimated to be at $1.8 to $2.4 billion annually.
EPA will take comment on the proposal for 90 days after it is published in
the Federal Register. The agency will hold a public hearing Feb. 26, 2014
in Boston. EPA expects to issue a final rule in 2015.
For more information, visit:
http://www2.epa.gov/residential-wood-heaters
Monday, January 6, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
News Clippings 1.3.14
1.3.14
State
Questions arise over state's use of Katrina recovery money
HUD report: Miss. relied upon faulty figures, documents
AP
A new federal report says Mississippi officials accepted unsupported
population growth estimates in developing a plan to use $653 million in
federal Hurricane Katrina recovery money for water and wastewater
facilities, including some that may not be needed.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20140103/NEWS01/301030022/Questions-arise-over-state-s-use-Katrina-recovery-money
HUD audit questions state's post-Katrina utility spending
HUD questions state's post-Katrina utility spending
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
The state failed to adequately oversee a $653 million program for regional
water and wastewater improvements after Hurricane Katrina, leading to
construction of some plants that are too small, "excessive," or may not be
needed, a federal audit concludes.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/02/5229302/hud-audit-questions-states-post.html
Federal agency questions post-Katrina water systems
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (AP) -Members of the Harrison County Utility Authority knew a
federal report was about to be released pertaining to 67 wastewater
treatment facilities approved since Hurricane Katrina. Today, that report
came out.
http://www.wlox.com/story/24348012/federal-agency-questions
HUD Audit Questions Post-Katrina Water Grants
BY EVELINA BURNETT
MPB
A new report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's
Office of the Inspector General is questioning some appraisals and
population estimates used in the state's post-Katrina water and wastewater
utility grants.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/hud_audit_questions_post_katrina_water_grants
SUN HERALD | Editorial: HUD took its time to question estimates
In 2006, almost a year to the day after Hurricane Katrina struck the Coast,
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved Mississippi's
plan to spend $653 million in federal recovery money on water and
wastewater facilities in South Mississippi.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/02/5229931/sun-herald-editorial-hud-took.html
Bunge ethanol plant sale reflects doubt over EPA mandate
Reuters
Thu, Jan 2 2014
By Michael Hirtzer
Jan 2 (Reuters) - Bunge North America Inc, a division of Bunge Ltd, has
sold its stake in a Mississippi ethanol plant in what is likely to be the
first a spate of industry deals amid uncertainty over biofuel use in the
United States, analysts said on Thursday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/02/bunge-ethanol-idUSL2N0KC14720140102
Oil Spill
Former BP engineer says juror misconduct tainted verdict
The Associated Press
January 02, 2014 at 6:15 PM
Defense attorneys for a former BP engineer convicted of trying to obstruct
a federal investigation of the company's 2010 Gulf oil spill claimed
Thursday that jurors engaged in misconduct that warrants a new trial.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2014/01/former_bp_engineer_says_juror.html
National
EPA publishes carbon capture regs
The Hill
By Ben Goad
The Obama administration on Thursday detailed final regulations easing the
path toward technology needed to allow new coal-fired power plants to
operate.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energy-environment/194276-epa-publishes-carbon-capture-regs
Despite reports, response slow to danger of oil fires on rail tankers
BY CURTIS TATE
McClatchy Washington BureauJanuary 2, 2014
WASHINGTON Five years before a train loaded with crude oil derailed and
exploded last year in Quebec, killing 47 people, another derailment in
Oklahoma should have given federal regulators an early warning that the
type of oil both trains carried was more flammable than authorities
realized.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/02/5230136/despite-reports-response-slow.html
Press Releases
Ergon Acquires Bunge's Interest in Mississippi Ethanol Facility
January 02, 2014
JACKSON, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ergon, Inc. announced today that its
wholly owned subsidiary, Ergon Ethanol, Inc., acquired Bunge North America,
Inc.'s interest in and now owns 100% of Ergon BioFuels, LLC located in
Vicksburg, Mississippi. Financial terms were not disclosed. Effective
December 31, 2013, Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg, LLC changed its name to Ergon
BioFuels, LLC.
Ergon BioFuels, LLC, formerly Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg, began as a joint
venture between Ergon Ethanol, Inc. and Bunge North America in 2007. With
an annual throughput capacity of 54-million gallons, Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg,
LLC was one of the largest producers of ethanol in the southeastern United
States until operations were suspended in December 2012.
"This transaction allows us to look at alternative feedstocks, as well as
how the plant may be used for products beyond traditional ethanol
production," said Don Davis, President of Ergon's Refining and Marketing
division. "In addition, we feel the Ergon BioFuels facility will be
synergistic with nearby Ergon Refining, Inc.'s opportunities for an
expanded product base."
About Ergon Ethanol
Ergon Ethanol, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ergon, Inc. Ergon, Inc.
is a privately held company that operates under six primary business
segments: Refining & Marketing, Asphalt & Emulsions, Transportation &
Terminaling, Oil & Gas, Real Estate, and Corporate & Other.
About Bunge North America
Bunge North America, Inc., the North American operating arm of Bunge
Limited (NYSE: BG), is a vertically integrated food and feed ingredient
company, supplying raw and processed agricultural commodities and
specialized food ingredients to a wide range of customers in the livestock,
poultry, food processing, foodservice and bakery industries. With
headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunge North America and its
subsidiaries operate grain elevators, oilseed processing plants, edible oil
refineries, packaging facilities, and corn, wheat and rice mills in the
U.S., Canada and Mexico.
State
Questions arise over state's use of Katrina recovery money
HUD report: Miss. relied upon faulty figures, documents
AP
A new federal report says Mississippi officials accepted unsupported
population growth estimates in developing a plan to use $653 million in
federal Hurricane Katrina recovery money for water and wastewater
facilities, including some that may not be needed.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20140103/NEWS01/301030022/Questions-arise-over-state-s-use-Katrina-recovery-money
HUD audit questions state's post-Katrina utility spending
HUD questions state's post-Katrina utility spending
Sun Herald
BY ANITA LEE
The state failed to adequately oversee a $653 million program for regional
water and wastewater improvements after Hurricane Katrina, leading to
construction of some plants that are too small, "excessive," or may not be
needed, a federal audit concludes.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/02/5229302/hud-audit-questions-states-post.html
Federal agency questions post-Katrina water systems
WLOX
BILOXI, MS (AP) -Members of the Harrison County Utility Authority knew a
federal report was about to be released pertaining to 67 wastewater
treatment facilities approved since Hurricane Katrina. Today, that report
came out.
http://www.wlox.com/story/24348012/federal-agency-questions
HUD Audit Questions Post-Katrina Water Grants
BY EVELINA BURNETT
MPB
A new report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's
Office of the Inspector General is questioning some appraisals and
population estimates used in the state's post-Katrina water and wastewater
utility grants.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/hud_audit_questions_post_katrina_water_grants
SUN HERALD | Editorial: HUD took its time to question estimates
In 2006, almost a year to the day after Hurricane Katrina struck the Coast,
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved Mississippi's
plan to spend $653 million in federal recovery money on water and
wastewater facilities in South Mississippi.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/02/5229931/sun-herald-editorial-hud-took.html
Bunge ethanol plant sale reflects doubt over EPA mandate
Reuters
Thu, Jan 2 2014
By Michael Hirtzer
Jan 2 (Reuters) - Bunge North America Inc, a division of Bunge Ltd, has
sold its stake in a Mississippi ethanol plant in what is likely to be the
first a spate of industry deals amid uncertainty over biofuel use in the
United States, analysts said on Thursday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/02/bunge-ethanol-idUSL2N0KC14720140102
Oil Spill
Former BP engineer says juror misconduct tainted verdict
The Associated Press
January 02, 2014 at 6:15 PM
Defense attorneys for a former BP engineer convicted of trying to obstruct
a federal investigation of the company's 2010 Gulf oil spill claimed
Thursday that jurors engaged in misconduct that warrants a new trial.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2014/01/former_bp_engineer_says_juror.html
National
EPA publishes carbon capture regs
The Hill
By Ben Goad
The Obama administration on Thursday detailed final regulations easing the
path toward technology needed to allow new coal-fired power plants to
operate.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energy-environment/194276-epa-publishes-carbon-capture-regs
Despite reports, response slow to danger of oil fires on rail tankers
BY CURTIS TATE
McClatchy Washington BureauJanuary 2, 2014
WASHINGTON Five years before a train loaded with crude oil derailed and
exploded last year in Quebec, killing 47 people, another derailment in
Oklahoma should have given federal regulators an early warning that the
type of oil both trains carried was more flammable than authorities
realized.
http://www.sunherald.com/2014/01/02/5230136/despite-reports-response-slow.html
Press Releases
Ergon Acquires Bunge's Interest in Mississippi Ethanol Facility
January 02, 2014
JACKSON, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ergon, Inc. announced today that its
wholly owned subsidiary, Ergon Ethanol, Inc., acquired Bunge North America,
Inc.'s interest in and now owns 100% of Ergon BioFuels, LLC located in
Vicksburg, Mississippi. Financial terms were not disclosed. Effective
December 31, 2013, Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg, LLC changed its name to Ergon
BioFuels, LLC.
Ergon BioFuels, LLC, formerly Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg, began as a joint
venture between Ergon Ethanol, Inc. and Bunge North America in 2007. With
an annual throughput capacity of 54-million gallons, Bunge-Ergon Vicksburg,
LLC was one of the largest producers of ethanol in the southeastern United
States until operations were suspended in December 2012.
"This transaction allows us to look at alternative feedstocks, as well as
how the plant may be used for products beyond traditional ethanol
production," said Don Davis, President of Ergon's Refining and Marketing
division. "In addition, we feel the Ergon BioFuels facility will be
synergistic with nearby Ergon Refining, Inc.'s opportunities for an
expanded product base."
About Ergon Ethanol
Ergon Ethanol, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ergon, Inc. Ergon, Inc.
is a privately held company that operates under six primary business
segments: Refining & Marketing, Asphalt & Emulsions, Transportation &
Terminaling, Oil & Gas, Real Estate, and Corporate & Other.
About Bunge North America
Bunge North America, Inc., the North American operating arm of Bunge
Limited (NYSE: BG), is a vertically integrated food and feed ingredient
company, supplying raw and processed agricultural commodities and
specialized food ingredients to a wide range of customers in the livestock,
poultry, food processing, foodservice and bakery industries. With
headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunge North America and its
subsidiaries operate grain elevators, oilseed processing plants, edible oil
refineries, packaging facilities, and corn, wheat and rice mills in the
U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
News Clippings 1.2.14
1.2.2014
Oil Spill
BP Spill Windfall Will Test Texas Conservatives
WOAI
Texas is likely to receive a windfall payment of as much as $4 billion in
2014, and analysts say the challenge will be to properly invest that money
in ways that will provide long term success without burdening taxpayers,
1200 WOAI news reports.
http://www.woai.com/articles/woai-local-news-119078/bp-spill-windfall-will-test-texas-11938532/
BP renews request for 5th Circuit to require businesses to prove losses
resulted from oil spill
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 31, 2013 at 10:40 PM
BP this week renewed its request for the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
to order a lower court to require that businesses prove their losses
stemmed from the company's 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in order to be
paid under a settlement of private claims.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/bp_renews_request_for_5th_circ.html#incart_river
Ex-BP engineer eyes new trial or acquittal
Attorneys request extension to file
AP
NEW ORLEANS — Attorneys for a former BP engineer convicted of trying to
obstruct a federal probe of the company's 2010 Gulf oil spill have asked
for more time to file requests for a new trial or a post-verdict acquittal.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20140102/BIZ/301020020/Ex-BP-engineer-eyes-new-trial-acquittal
State
Refuge improves water management
December 27, 2013
Winston County Journal
A new modern water control gate was installed this month on the main
structure at Loakfoma Lake.
The new gate will allow staff to better manage water levels and provide
quality habitat for waterfowl, fish and other wildlife.
http://winstoncountyjournal.com/?p=6020
Regional
More places banning plastic grocery sacks: Should Alabama follow suit?
Leada Gore
Al.com
January 01, 2014 at 11:14 AM
Grocery buyers in Los Angeles will no longer face the question "plastic or
paper?" when they are shopping. In fact, unless you're willing to pay
extra, you better bring your own to the store.
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2014/01/more_places_banning_plastic_gr.html#incart_river
National
House to start 2014 with bill curbing EPA
The Hill
By Pete Kasperowicz
House Republicans have scheduled work on legislation next week aimed at
easing environmental regulations and forcing federal facilities to comply
with state-level rules.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/194190-house-to-start-2014-with-bill-reining-in-epa
Oil Spill
BP Spill Windfall Will Test Texas Conservatives
WOAI
Texas is likely to receive a windfall payment of as much as $4 billion in
2014, and analysts say the challenge will be to properly invest that money
in ways that will provide long term success without burdening taxpayers,
1200 WOAI news reports.
http://www.woai.com/articles/woai-local-news-119078/bp-spill-windfall-will-test-texas-11938532/
BP renews request for 5th Circuit to require businesses to prove losses
resulted from oil spill
Mark Schleifstein
The Times-Picayune
December 31, 2013 at 10:40 PM
BP this week renewed its request for the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
to order a lower court to require that businesses prove their losses
stemmed from the company's 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in order to be
paid under a settlement of private claims.
http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/12/bp_renews_request_for_5th_circ.html#incart_river
Ex-BP engineer eyes new trial or acquittal
Attorneys request extension to file
AP
NEW ORLEANS — Attorneys for a former BP engineer convicted of trying to
obstruct a federal probe of the company's 2010 Gulf oil spill have asked
for more time to file requests for a new trial or a post-verdict acquittal.
http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20140102/BIZ/301020020/Ex-BP-engineer-eyes-new-trial-acquittal
State
Refuge improves water management
December 27, 2013
Winston County Journal
A new modern water control gate was installed this month on the main
structure at Loakfoma Lake.
The new gate will allow staff to better manage water levels and provide
quality habitat for waterfowl, fish and other wildlife.
http://winstoncountyjournal.com/?p=6020
Regional
More places banning plastic grocery sacks: Should Alabama follow suit?
Leada Gore
Al.com
January 01, 2014 at 11:14 AM
Grocery buyers in Los Angeles will no longer face the question "plastic or
paper?" when they are shopping. In fact, unless you're willing to pay
extra, you better bring your own to the store.
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2014/01/more_places_banning_plastic_gr.html#incart_river
National
House to start 2014 with bill curbing EPA
The Hill
By Pete Kasperowicz
House Republicans have scheduled work on legislation next week aimed at
easing environmental regulations and forcing federal facilities to comply
with state-level rules.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/194190-house-to-start-2014-with-bill-reining-in-epa
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