Oil Spill
Custody of recovering dolphin changes hands
WLOX
"Chance," the only stranded dolphin found alive in Mississippi and Alabama
since the BP oil disaster, will be staying in Gulfport for the foreseeable
future.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18817553/custody-of-recovering-dolphin-changes-hands
Transocean asks judge to release federal documents on Deepwater Horizon
Posted on June 18, 2012 at 1:06 pm by Emily Pickrell
Transocean has asked a New Orleans federal court to make public 21
documents regarding the Deepwater Horizon disaster, arguing that its claim
of a confidentiality privilege are invalid, according to a recent filing.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/06/18/transocean-asks-judge-to-release-21-key-federal-documents-on-deepwater-accident/
State News
AP investigation: Katrina funds spent on underused sewage plants
By The Associated Press
BILOXI, Mississippi -- Officials in Mississippi took private property and
spent tens of millions of dollars in Hurricane Katrina recovery money on
sewage plants that may not be needed for decades, an Associated Press
investigation shows.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/ap_investigation_katrina_funds.html
Health, environmental experts cast doubt on pollution claims
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Assertions that Hurricane Katrina and industrial
sites have created a health-damaging environment in Moss Point were
disputed Monday by state health and environmental experts.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/health_environmental_experts_c.html
Moss Point Residents Want To Know If Industrial Toxins Are Causing Cancer
MPB
PUBLISHED BY RHONDA MILLER ON 18 JUN 2012 06:47PM
Moss Point residents want the state to investigate whether industrial
chemicals may be causing cancer and other health problems. Mississippi
officials say there's no obvious link, but as MPB's Rhonda Miller reports a
Louisiana chemist says her tests show a connection.
http://mpbonline.org/News/article/moss_point_residents_want_to_know_if_industrial_toxins_are_causing_cancer
Gulf Restoration Network wants to elevate Red Creek's water quality
designation
Sun Herald
By NICOLE DOW — ndow@sunherald.com
STONE COUNTY -- A representative from Gulf Restoration Network met with
Stone County supervisors Monday to introduce a proposal nominating Red
Creek as an Outstanding National Resource Water through the Mississippi
Department of Environmental Quality.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/18/4015681/gulf-restoration-network-wants.html
2012 shrimp season labeled average
WLOX
About 20 days into the 2012 shrimp season, those in the seafood industry
are calling the season so far "average." Weather conditions, primarily
heavy winds have forced many boats to remain tied at the dock.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18818922/2012-shrimp-season-labeled-average
National News
Recycling programs tackle problem of cigarette butts
By Wendy Koch
USA TODAY
Recycling has moved far beyond paper and plastic to tackle the nation's top
litter problem: cigarette butts.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-06-14/cigarette-butt-recycling/55674502/1
EPA Won't Curb Greenhouse Gases From Ships, Off-Road Trucks
Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem on June 18, 2012
The Environmental Protection Agency turned down a demand from U.S.
environmental groups that it curb greenhouse-gas emissions from aircraft,
ships or off-highway vehicles such as trucks used in mining operations.
http://www.businessweek.com/printer/articles/106284?type=bloomberg
White House waves veto pen at measure to nix EPA pollution rule
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/18/12 04:53 PM ET
The White House said Monday that it would likely veto a GOP-led plan to
overturn Environmental Protection Agency regulations that require cuts in
mercury and other toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/233305-white-house-waves-veto-pen-at-gop-plan-to-nix-power-plant-rule
Obama's green team criticizes the media
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/18/12 05:41 PM ET
President Obama's former top energy aide and current EPA chief are both
making the case that today's media landscape is rough terrain for
environmental policymakers.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/233331-obamas-green-team-calls-out-the-media
Hearing to revive natural-gas climate battle
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/18/12 02:53 PM ET
A Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing Tuesday will be the
next venue for a raging battle over the climate-change benefits of natural
gas compared to other fossil fuels.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/233263-hearing-to-revive-natural-gas-climate-battle
Major cities tackle climate change even as Rio summit's outcome remains
uncertain
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin,
Four dozen of the world's largest cities have taken steps to cut 248
million tons of greenhouse-gas emissions by 2020, according to a report
issued Tuesday, an announcement aimed at demonstrating that environmental
progress can continue in the absence of a broad international climate
agreement.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/major-cities-tackle-climate-change-while-rio-summits-outcome-remains-uncertain/2012/06/18/gJQAzSzrmV_story.html
In Its First Life, an Oil Platform; in Its Next, a Reef?
NY Times
By MELISSA GASKILL
AUSTIN, Tex. — The dormant oil platform known as High Island 389-A rises
out of the Gulf of Mexico about 100 miles southeast of Galveston. Below the
surface, corals, sea fans and sponges cover its maze of pipes. Schools of
jack and snapper, solitary grouper and barracuda circle in its shadows.
Dive boats periodically stop at the enormous structure, where dolphins, sea
turtles and sharks are often spotted.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/18/us/a-fight-to-convert-high-island-a-platform-into-a-reef.html?ref=earth
Sen. Boxer proposes naming EPA building after ex-President Clinton
The Hill
By Pete Kasperowicz - 06/19/12 08:39 AM ET
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) on Monday offered legislation that would
rename the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) headquarters as the
"William Jefferson Clinton Federal Building."
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/233435-sen-boxer-proposes-naming-epa-building-after-president-clinton
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
News Clippings 6/15/12
Oil Spill
On the Trail of Oil-Munching Organisms
NY Times
By KATE YANDELL
Two years ago today, BP’s Macondo well was in the midst of its 87-day spree of spewing oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Tar balls and oil slicks were showing up on beaches from Texas to Florida.
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/14/on-the-trail-of-oil-munching-organisms/?pagemode=print
Mental health services planned in spill deal
AP
A $14.4 million share of the BP oil spill settlement will bring mental health counselors to areas across four states affected by the 2010 disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18798759/mental-health-services-planned-in-spill-deal
Gov. Bobby Jindal signs bill directing Gulf oil spill money to coastal restoration
By Ed Anderson, The Times-Picayune
Baton Rouge -- Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed legislation that will direct money Louisiana receives from the Deepwater-Horizon-BP oil spill to coastal protection and restoration programs.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/06/gov_bobby_jindal_signs_bill_di.html
Ex-BP engineer faces February trial tied to oil spill
Reuters
(Reuters) - A former BP Plc engineer who is the first individual to face criminal charges related to the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill has been scheduled to face a jury trial on February 25, a federal judge decided.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-bp-oilspill-engineertrialbre85e034-20120614,0,4610349.story
Jury sides with Kevin Costner in BP spill lawsuit
By The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal jury late Thursday rejected claims that Kevin Costner and his business partner duped fellow actor Stephen Baldwin and a friend out of millions of dollars from a BP contract for using oil cleanup devices in the aftermath of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico spill.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/06/jury_sides_with_costner_in_bp.html
State News
Fish release scheduled for Friday in lower Pearl
AP
Picayune, MS (AP) - The state was releasing blue catfish into the lower Pearl River on Friday, the fourth restocking since a 2011 equipment malfunction caused a spill from a Louisiana paper mill.
Officials with the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks were handling the release at Walkiah Bluff near Picayune.
http://www.wlox.com/story/18797932/fish-release-scheduled-for-friday-in-lower-pearl
State plans another fish release in Pearl
The Picayune Item
POPLARVILLE — Staff from two state agencies will release 1,500 large blue catfish in the Pearl River in the wake of a chemical spill by a Bogalusa, La., Temple-Inland mill that killed hundreds of thousands of fish in the river in August 2011. This will be the third major release of fish into Pearl River since the spill occurred.
http://picayuneitem.com/local/x500778322/State-plans-another-fish-release-in-Pearl
Pearl being restocked after fish kill
Clinton News
About 14,000 pounds of harvestable-sized blue catfish will be released into the Pearl River near Picayune (Walkiah Bluff) on Friday at 10 a.m., part of a continued recovery effort by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.http://www.clintonnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120614/SPORTS/206140312/Pearl-being-restocked-after-fish-kill
Hattiesburg hosts 2nd hearing on waste water system
WDAM
Hattiesburg residents met with engineers and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality officials in Palmer's Crossing Thursday night, to help city leaders decide on what type of waste water treatment system the city will use in the future. A second of three scheduled public hearings gave residents a chance to look at three options the city is considering to treat waste water.
http://www.wdam.com/story/18794027/hattiesburg-hosts-2nd-hearing-on-waste-water-system
Fracking study presented
By Ernest Herndon, Enterprise-Journal
A consultant who presented a 467-page report on fracking was highly optimistic Thursday, but urged area officials to take steps now to minimize potential problems.
Charlotte Batson of Batson & Co. outlined her findings to some 150 people at the Percy Quin State Park Convention Center on Thursday morning, followed later in the day by presentations in Liberty and Woodville.
http://www.enterprise-journal.com/news/article_cb97b132-b70f-11e1-bbe5-0019bb2963f4.html
National News
EPA proposes stricter standards for soot pollution
By MATTHEW DALY — Associated Press
WASHINGTON — In a step that officials said would save lives, the Obama administration on Friday announced new air quality standards intended to reduce the amount of soot that can be released into the air.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/14/4008866/epa-sets-tighter-standards-for.html
EPA to tighten national soot standards
Washington Post
By Juliet Eilperin, Published: June 14
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday that it will tighten the nation’s soot standards, a move that could help deliver major health benefits by the end of the decade but force some oil refiners, manufacturers and other operations to invest in expensive pollution-abatement upgrades.
Report finds quake risks linked to carbon storage, fracking wastewater injections
The HIll
By Ben Geman - 06/15/12 01:03 PM ET
A major new report concludes that more research is needed to better understand risks of seismic activity linked to injections of wastewater from natural gas drilling, potential large-scale underground storage of carbon dioxide emissions and other energy technologies.
Opinion
OUTDOORS COLUMN: RESTORE Act critical for Gulf Coast
By David Rainer, Special to Times-Journal | Posted: Thursday, June 14, 2012 7:19 pm
Many people along the Gulf Coast are not likely familiar with the RESTORE Act, a part of the transportation bill that is currently being debated in Congress.
http://times-journal.com/sports/article_ba989710-b67f-11e1-b150-0019bb2963f4.html
Press Releases
EPA Proposes Clean Air Standards for Harmful Soot Pollution
99 percent of U.S. counties projected to meet proposed standards without any additional actions
WASHINGTON – In response to a court order, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed updates to its national air quality standards for harmful fine particle pollution, including soot (known as PM2.5). These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and have been linked to a wide range of serious health effects, including premature death, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as acute bronchitis and aggravated asthma among children. A federal court ruling required EPA to update the standard based on best available science. Today’s proposal, which meets that requirement, builds on smart steps already taken by the EPA to slash dangerous pollution in communities across the country. Thanks to these steps, 99 percent of U.S. counties are projected to meet the proposed standard without any additional action.
EPA’s proposal would strengthen the annual health standard for harmful fine particle pollution (PM2.5) to a level within a range of 13 micrograms per cubic meter to 12 micrograms per cubic meter. The current annual standard is 15 micrograms per cubic meter. The proposed changes, which are consistent with the advice from the agency’s independent science advisors, are based on an extensive body of scientific evidence that includes thousands of studies – including many large studies which show negative health impacts at lower levels than previously understood. By proposing a range, the agency will collect input from the public as well as a number of stakeholders, including industry and public health groups, to help determine the most appropriate final standard to protect public health. It is important to note that the proposal has zero effect on the existing daily standard for fine particles or the existing daily standard for coarse particles (PM10), both of which would remain unchanged.
Thanks to recent Clean Air Act rules that have and will dramatically cut pollution, 99 percent of U.S. counties are projected to meet the proposed standards without undertaking any further actions to reduce emissions.
Meanwhile, because reductions in fine particle pollution have direct health benefits including decreased mortality rates, fewer incidents of heart attacks, strokes, and childhood asthma, these standards have major economic benefits with comparatively low costs. Depending on the final level of the standard, estimated benefits will range from $88 million a year, with estimated costs of implementation as low as $2.9 million, to $5.9 billion in annual benefits with a cost of $69 million – a return ranging from $30 to $86 for every dollar invested in pollution control. While EPA cannot consider costs in selecting a standard under the Clean Air Act, those costs are estimated as part of the careful analysis undertaken for all significant regulations, as required by Executive Order 13563 issued by President Obama in January 2011.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review its standards for particle pollution every five years to determine whether the standards should be revised. The law requires the agency to ensure the standards are “requisite to protect public health with an adequate margin of safety” and “requisite to protect the public welfare.” A federal court ordered EPA sign the proposed particle pollution standards by June 14, 2012, because the agency did not meet its five-year legal deadline for reviewing the standards.
EPA will accept public comment for 63 days after the proposed standards are published in the Federal Register. The agency will hold two public hearings; one in Sacramento, CA. and one in Philadelphia, PA. Details on the hearings will be announced shortly. EPA will issue the final standards by December 14, 2012.
Map showing counties in attainment in 2020: http://epa.gov/pm/2012/map.pdf
More information: http://www.epa.gov/pm
USDA Commends Today’s Environmental Protection Agency Action allowing E15 to be Used by Model Year 2001 and Newer Passenger Vehicles
Posted by Sarah Bittleman, Senior Energy Advisor to Secretary Vilsack, on June 15, 2012 at 3:32 PM
At USDA we applaud today’s action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that essentially completes the federal actions necessary to allow consumers to buy fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol (E15). This announcement gets us one step closer to giving American consumers a real choice at the pump. It also supports the “all –of-the-above” energy strategy, including production of renewable biofuels, implemented by the Obama Administration to help wean us off of imported oil.
The public has a right to choose between spending their money on imported oil or home-grown energy. Today’s action by EPA helps break down the ethanol “blend wall” thereby potentially allowing more ethanol into the market. Iowa State University has estimated that blending ethanol with petroleum keeps the price per gallon at the pump down by around a dollar a gallon. This is a demonstration of the Obama Administration making good on its commitments to work to reduce foreign oil imports and increase domestic energy production.
In addition, today the EPA has fulfilled its responsibility to the American public to ensure that E15 is a safe and reliable fuel. Home grown biofuels are providing sustainable rural jobs that cannot be exported. Today’s action proves yet again that renewable biofuels are not a dream of the future, but are a reality, and are making a difference today.
At the President’s and Secretary Vilsack’s direction, USDA is working to develop the national biofuels industry producing energy from non-food sources in every region of the country. Working with private and government partners, USDA is supporting research into innovative energy technologies and processes, helping companies build biorefineries – including the first ever commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol facilities – and supporting farmers, ranchers, and businesses taking risks to pursue new opportunities in biofuels.
To read more about the EPA’s announcement, click here or go to the EPA website.
News Clippings 6-14-12
Oil Spill
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/14/4007034/carroll-county-dams-aging.html
Dam issue gets rapid response
Winona Times
by Reggie Ross
06.07.12 - 10:10 am
A letter from the Carroll County Board of Supervisors has reached its destination, and a response from the state top leaders was swift.
http://winonatimes.com/view/full_story/18899128/article-Dam-issue-gets-rapid-response?instance=winstonsecondary_stories_left_column
Ken Feinberg says in new book that nothing prepared him for oil spill claims
By David Hammer
The Times-Picayune
Former oil spill claims czar Kenneth Feinberg is coming out with a book later this month in which he admits that none of his acclaimed and varied prior experience overseeing public compensation funds prepared him for what he encountered on the Gulf Coast. http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2012/06/ken_feinberg_says_in_new_book.html
State News
Ocean Springs to consider adding cardboard recycling, dropping glass recycling
By Susan Ruddiman
The Mississippi Press
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Cardboard is worth more than glass when it comes to recycling.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/ocean_springs_to_consider_recy.html
Ocean Springs recycling meeting nets surprising advice
Sun Herald
OCEAN SPRINGS -- The city is looking for ways to expand its recycling program, which has already been recognized as the most successful in South Mississippi, as reported in Sunday's Sun Herald. On Wednesday, Mayor Connie Moran and Aldermen Bobby Cox and Chic Cody, along with a handful of community business leaders and residents, met with representatives from Delta Sanitation to discuss recycling options.
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/13/4006755/ocean-springs-recycling-meeting.html
Carroll County dams aging
The Associated Press
http://www.sunherald.com/2012/06/14/4007034/carroll-county-dams-aging.html
Dam issue gets rapid response
Winona Times
by Reggie Ross
06.07.12 - 10:10 am
A letter from the Carroll County Board of Supervisors has reached its destination, and a response from the state top leaders was swift.
http://winonatimes.com/view/full_story/18899128/article-Dam-issue-gets-rapid-response?instance=winstonsecondary_stories_left_column
Former creosote plant site estimated $19 million cleanup to get underway
June 7, 2012
By Joseph McCain
The Winston County Journal
CORE Engineering and Construction Inc. of Florida will soon begin cleaning up the American Creosote Superfund Site in Louisville. The EPA superfund site located off Highway 15 at the intersection of South Railroad Avenue and Baremore Street has been under EPA and MDEQ supervision since 1985.
http://winston.winstonnewsonline.com/?p=1316
Corps backing plan for lake
Clarion Ledger
A plan for a lake that could reduce flood threats along the Pearl River has support from the Army Corps of Engineers. The lake would run north of Lakeland Drive to south of I-20. The existing Pearl River channel would be widened. The lake would be under 2,000 acres and hold more water in the event of prolonged rain. The Corps has authorized $123 million toward a flood-reduction project in the area.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20120614/NEWS01/206140323/Corps-backing-plan-lake
Columbus hires firm to explore energy-saving options
Commercial Dispatch
While the City of Starkville has started making waves across the state for its new energy efficiency methods, Columbus has begun its own process.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=17472
MPB program focuses on energy saving
Commercial Dispatch
Micah Green
The city of Starkville and Oktibbeha County will be featured in a 30-minute documentary highlighting energy-efficient projects undertaken by local governments.
Taking Charge will profile six communities in the state that took advantage of energy audit assistance and grants made available through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program to make improvements to local facilities. It is set to air at 8:30 Thursday night on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=17470
New director 'impressed' by diversity of faculty and research at GCRL
By Harlan Kirgan
Mississippi Press
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- After nearly a yearlong search, Eric Powell will become the new director of The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in September, according to a USM news release.http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/06/powell_named_director_at_gulf.html
Bryant signs law limiting attorney general's power
AP
By JEFF AMY
JACKSON, MISS.
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant on Tuesday signed a law limiting the attorney general's control of the state's legal business.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-05/D9UUHQ302.htm
National News
EPA gives OK to $880M plan to clean up water in Everglades; will take 12 years to complete
By Associated Press, Updated: Thursday, June 14, 7:07 AM
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — An $880 million plan to improve Everglades water quality was given federal approval Wednesday, setting the clock on a massive 12-year cleanup project.
House set to waive environmental laws for security agency along border
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 06/13/12 03:30 PM ET
- The House is slated to vote next week on controversial legislation that would exempt the Department of Homeland Security from more than 30 environmental and land-management laws within 100 miles of the border with Mexico and Canada.
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