News Clippings 9/19/13

9/19/2013



Oil Spill





Judge to review Halliburton's plea deal
By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, Associated Press
Updated 1:05 am, Thursday, September 19, 2013



NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge is set to decide whether to approve a

plea agreement that calls for Halliburton Energy Services to pay a $200,000

fine for destroying evidence after BP's 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of

Mexico.



http://www.sfgate.com/news/texas/article/Judge-to-review-Halliburton-s-plea-deal-4826607.php





Judge asked to dismiss BP rig supervisors' charges

AP




Lawyers for two BP rig supervisors charged in the deaths of 11 workers in
the Deepwater Horizon disaster have asked a federal judge to dismiss the
manslaughter charges against their clients.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23470481/judge-asked-to-dismiss-bp-rig-supervisors-charges





Louisiana could begin building Mid-Barataria sediment diversion by late


2015




Times-Picayune



Construction of a major diversion that would funnel sediment and freshwater

from the Mississippi River into the Barataria Basin at Myrtle Grove to

rebuild wetlands could begin by the fall of 2015, thanks to money coming as

a result of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, state coastal officials

learned Wednesday.



http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/09/louisiana_could_begin_building.html






State





Are residents being shortchanged by the Harrison Co. Utility Authority?

WLOX




If a government entity wants your land, you may have little choice in how
much you're paid. If negotiations fail, governments use a legal process
called eminent domain to acquire land for public projects.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23470455/harrison-county-utility-authority-appraisals-questioned





5 loggerhead turtles hatch from Pass Christian nest

WLOX




The Gulf of Mexico is home to five new sea turtles. Institute of Marine
Mammal Studies Director Moby Solangi told WLOX News five sea turtle eggs
hatched this week.
http://www.wlox.com/story/23460005/5-loggerhead-turtles-hatch-from-pass-christian-nest





City of Madison and county to split creek repairs
Madison County Herald


Officials in Madison County and the city of Madison are working on an
agreement for how to handle repairing and maintaining Hearn Creek, south of
Hoy Road between Rice and Old Canton roads.
http://www.mcherald.com/article/20130916/NEWS/130916001/City-Madison-county-split-creek-repairs





Mississippi Coal Plant Overruns Show Risks of Carbon Rule


Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Sep 18, 2013

Coal's future is being built in rural Mississippi, and so far this is what

it looks like: a $1 billion cost overrun, a stew of legal battles, a revolt

by ratepayers and a credit downgrade for the local utility.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-18/mississippi-coal-plant-overuns-show-risks-of-carbon-rules.html





Mississippi Department of Marine Resources asks for 4 percent budget

increase

The Associated Press

September 18, 2013 at 3:31 PM



JACKSON, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources,

which has been under state and federal investigation for its spending

practices, is seeking a 4 percent budget increase for the coming year.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/09/mississippi_department_of_mari_5.html#incart_river





National





EPA's McCarthy Defends Climate Plan in Congress
Wall Street Journal




Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy and Energy Secretary

Ernest Moniz appeared before members of the House Energy and Commerce

Committee Wednesday to talk about climate change.

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2013/09/18/epas-mccarthy-defends-climate-plan-in-congress/




Gina McCarthy defends carbon capture for future plants
Politico
By: Erica Martinson
September 19, 2013 05:06 AM EDT


EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy defended the Obama administration's climate
plan Wednesday as a necessary force to shift to a lower-carbon energy
future — but didn't dispute lawmakers' suggestions that it will place new
burdens on coal.
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/09/gina-mccarthy-epa-carbon-capture-97024.html?hp=r6




Senate GOP leader McConnell offers bill to thwart EPA climate rules
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 09/18/13 10:47 AM ET


Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has floated new legislation
that would block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing
carbon pollution standards for power plants.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/322975-senate-gop-leader-mcconnell-offers-bill-to-thwart-epa-climate-rules


Opinion





EDITORIAL/Kemper coal plant viable

Neshoba Democrat

Mississippi ratepayers historically have borne the cost of constructing
base load electric power generating plants, and Mississippi Power's $2.4
billion Kemper County lignite coal gasification plant is no different -
and, in fact, will be lower.
http://neshobademocrat.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=302&ArticleID=30310



Press Releases





Geologic Map Day: Celebrate on October 18!

Alexandria, VA - Celebrate the second annual Geologic Map Day! On October
18, as
a part of the Earth Science Week 2013 activities, join leading geoscience
organizations in promoting awareness of the importance of geologic mapping
to
society. Earth Science Week 2013 will be celebrated October 13-19.

Be sure to check out the Geologic Map Day poster included in this year's
Earth
Science Week Toolkit at http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials/index.html.
Showing how geologic maps can be used to understand natural hazards, the
poster
also provides step-by-step instructions for a related classroom activity
and
links to state geologic maps and maps of national parks. Additional
resources
for learning about geologic maps can be found on the Geologic Map Day web
page
http://www.earthsciweek.org/geologicmap/.

"As the saying goes, 'Civilization exists by geological consent – subject
to
change without notice.' Outside of Alaska, California is the most
seismically
active state in the country, with more than 70 percent of the Nation's
earthquake damage occurring in this state every year. Mapping earthquake
faults
and their surrounding geology is a key element in making California safer
for
its communities," says Dr. John Parrish, President of AASG and State
Geologist
of California.

Geologic Map Day partners include the American Geosciences Institute (AGI),
the
Association of American State Geologists (AASG), the U.S. Geological
Survey, the
National Park Service, the Geological Society of America, and Esri.

To find your state's geologic survey and additional geologic mapping
information
go to http://www.stategeologists.org/ and click on the state of interest.

###

The Association of American State Geologists (AASG) is an organization of
the
chief executives of the state geological surveys in 50 states and Puerto
Rico.
The first state survey was established in 1823 in North Carolina. By 1840,
there
were at least 15 state surveys, most of which were charged with the
discovery of
mineral, energy, land, and water resources in their state or territory.
Since
1908, the Association has met regularly to discuss issues of common
interest and
to initiate united actions when warranted.

# # #





EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy Testimony Before House Committee on Energy
and Commerce's Subcommittee on Energy and Power

WASHINGTON -- As prepared for delivery.

Chairman Whitfield, Ranking Member Rush, members of the Committee: Thank
you for the opportunity to testify today.

In June, the President reaffirmed his commitment to reducing carbon
pollution when he directed many federal agencies, including the
Environmental Protection Agency, to take meaningful steps to mitigate the
current and future damage caused by carbon dioxide emissions and to prepare
for the anticipated climate changes that have already been set in motion.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Based on the
evidence, more than 97% of climate scientists are convinced that human
caused climate change is occurring. If our changing climate goes unchecked,
it will have devastating impacts on the United States and the planet.
Reducing carbon pollution is critically important to the protection of
Americans' health and the environment upon which our economy depends.

Responding to climate change is an urgent public health, safety, national
security, and environmental imperative that presents an economic challenge
and an economic opportunity. As the President has stated, both the economy
and the environment must provide for current and future generations and we
can and must embrace cutting carbon pollution as a spark for business
innovation, job creation, clean energy and broad economic growth. The
United States' success over the past 40 years makes clear that
environmental protection and economic growth go hand in hand.

The President's Climate Action Plan directs federal agencies to address
climate change using existing executive authorities. The Plan has three key
pillars: cutting carbon pollution in America; preparing the country for the
impacts of climate change; and leading international efforts to combat
global climate change.

Cutting Carbon Pollution

EPA plays a critical role in implementing the Plan's first pillar, cutting
carbon pollution. Over the past four years, EPA has begun to address this
task under the Clean Air Act.

Our first steps addressed motor vehicles, which emit nearly a third of U.S.
carbon pollution. EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, along with the auto industry and other stakeholders, worked
together to set greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for Model Year
2012 to 2025 light-duty vehicles. Over the life of these vehicles, the
standards will save an estimated $1.7 trillion for consumers and businesses
and cut America's oil consumption by 12 billion barrels, while reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by 6 billion metric tons.

EPA's and NHTSA's standards for model year 2014 through 2018 heavy-duty
trucks and buses present a similar success story. Under the President's
Plan, we will be developing a second phase of heavy-duty vehicle standards
for post 2018 model years.

Building on this success, the President asked EPA to work with states,
utilities and other key stakeholders to develop plans to reduce carbon
pollution from future and existing power plants, which are responsible for
about 40 percent of America's carbon pollution.

EPA will soon issue new proposed carbon pollution standards for future
power plants, reflecting new information and the extensive public comments
on our 2012 proposal. For existing plants, we are engaged in outreach to a
broad group of stakeholders with expertise who can inform the development
of proposed standards, regulations, or guidelines, which we expect to issue
in June of 2014. These guidelines will provide guidance to States, which
have the primary role in developing and implementing plans to address
carbon pollution from existing plants. This framework will allow us to
capitalize on state leadership and innovation while also accounting for
regional diversity and providing the necessary flexibility.

The Plan also calls for the development of a comprehensive, interagency
strategy to address emissions of methane – a powerful greenhouse gas that
also contributes to ozone pollution, but which has substantial economic
value. EPA will work with other agencies to assess emissions data, address
data gaps, and identify opportunities to reduce methane emissions through
incentive-based programs and existing authorities.

Preparing for Impacts of Climate Change

Even as we work to avoid dangerous climate change, we must strengthen
America's resilience to climate impacts we're already experiencing and
those that can no longer be avoided. The President's Plan calls for a broad
array of actions on this front. EPA will incorporate research on climate
impacts into the implementation of our existing programs, and develop
information and tools to help decision-makers – including State, local and
tribal governments – to better understand and address these impacts.
Further, EPA is working closely with our federal agency counterparts on
several other aspects of building our national resilience, including
developing the National Drought Resilience Partnership, ensuring the
security of our freshwater supplies, protecting our water utilities, and
protecting and restoring our forests in the fact of a changing climate.

International Efforts

Our changing climate is also a global challenge, and the President's Plan
recognizes that the United States must couple action at home with
leadership abroad. Working closely with the State Department, EPA will
continue to engage our international partners in reducing carbon pollution
through an array of activities.. These include public-private partnership
efforts to address emissions of methane and other short-lived climate
pollutants under the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the Global Methane
Initiative, as well as bilateral cooperation with major economies.

Conclusion

The President's Plan provides a roadmap for federal action to meet the
pressing challenge of a changing climate– promoting clean energy solutions
that capitalize on American innovation and drive economic growth. EPA looks
forward to working with other federal agencies and all stakeholders on
these critical efforts.

Thank you again for the opportunity to testify, and I look forward to
answering your questions.

News Clippings 9/18/13

9.18.13



Oil Spill





Gulf oil spill claims administrator charges BP is trying to 'slow walk'

claims payments

Mark Schleifstein

The Times-Picayune

September 17, 2013 at 7:36 PM



The court-appointed administrator of the multibillion-dollar settlement of

private economic and medical claims stemming from the BP Deepwater Horizon

disaster and oil spill charged Tuesday that BP's attempts to cut his budget

are part of a company strategy to halt the payment of valid claims.

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/09/oil_spill_claims_administrator_7.html





Administrator of BP's settlement program urges judge to approve his $131M
budget request


AP



NEW ORLEANS — The administrator of BP's settlement with Gulf Coast
residents and businesses following its oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico
asked a federal judge Tuesday to reject BP's bid to slash his office's
budget by at least $25.5 million.

http://www.tribtown.com/view/story/0e2776673812441ab87cab984b9c9ec5/LA--Gulf-Oil-Spill-Settlement





BP ad in New York Times repeats allegations of misconduct in oil spill

claims office

Mark Schleifstein

The Times-Picayune

September 17, 2013 at 7:24 PM



BP bought a full-page advertisement in the New York Times on Tuesday,

repeating charges that the program for paying private claims under a

multibillion-dollar settlement of economic and medical damages resulting

from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill is riddled with fraud and

misconduct.

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2013/09/bp_ad_in_new_york_times_repeat.html





Energy panel choice sought BP's aid



Binz's apology to Murkowski at hearing fails to win support

Washington Times


President Obama's nominee to head the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
asked top officials at BP oil company to lobby on his behalf, further
expanding the list of lobbyists and former lobbyists Ron Binz has worked
with as he's tried to win the chairmanship of the obscure but powerful
panel, according to new emails released this week.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/17/energy-panel-choice-sought-bps-aid/





State





Tourism Bureau will comment on off-shore drilling
Sun Herald
By MARY PEREZ — meperez@sunherald.com


BILOXI -- The new members of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention

and Visitors Bureau will comment on offshore drilling before the Sept. 30

deadline without taking an official stance.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/17/4959595/tourism-bureau-will-comment-on.html






CMR hears update on blue crab harvest, oyster season
WLOX




Mississippi is experiencing the worst blue crab harvest in nearly 20 years.




The Commission on Marine Resources heard that news Tuesday at its monthly
meeting. The commission also set the opening dates for the upcoming oyster
season and were told that the oyster reefs are still recovering.




http://www.wlox.com/story/23454589/cmr-hears-update-on-blue-crab-harvest-oyster-season





CMR to open limited oyster season Sept. 30
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE — calee@sunherald.com


BILOXI -- A limited oyster season will open in Mississippi on Sept. 30 for

tonging and Oct. 14 for dredging, the Commission on Marine Resources

unanimously decided Tuesday morning.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/17/4958169/cmr-to-open-limited-oyster-season.html







Louisiana firm takes on DMR coastal management program
Sun Herald
By ANITA LEE — calee@sunherald.com


A Louisiana firm has been awarded a $1.2 million, three-year contract to

manage a coastal conservation program headquartered at the Mississippi

Department of Resources.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/17/4959591/louisiana-firm-takes-on-dmr-coastal.html






MUW Students Explore the Gulf




WCBI



COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Gulf of Mexico was the living laboratory for 16
biology students this past weekend.


Squid, fish, crabs, jellyfish and electric rays native to the Mobile Bay
were within their grasps as they explored and researched marine organisms
at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/muw-students-explore-the-gulf





National Land Conservation Conference members paddle on Wolf River
Sun Herald
By CECILY CUMMINGS — Special to the Sun Herald


On Tuesday, guests from the National Land Conservation Conference being

held this week in New Orleans took a day trip with Wolf River Canoe & Kayak

to experience South Mississippi's green spaces.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/17/4959725/national-land-conservation-conference.html







Brain amoeba case has some questioning public water safety

WLOX




This summer, a four-year-old Mississippi boy died from a brain eating
amoeba he got while playing on a slip-n-slide in Louisiana. The boy was in
Louisiana visiting relatives when he contracted the deadly parasite.


http://www.wlox.com/story/23448470/brain-amoeba-case-has-some-questioning-public-water-safety





Budget hearings: Corrections, Medicaid push for more money now
Geoff Pender


Clarion Ledger


Lawmakers were hit up for more than $100 million in "deficit requests"

Tuesday from health and corrections agencies who say they expect shortfalls

in their current budgets.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130918/NEWS01/309180042/Budget-hearings-Corrections-Medicaid-push-more-money-now







Regional





Biofuel Researchers Recruit Memphis Zoo's Pandas In Their Work



Memphis, TN - As posted by Michael Lollar onwww.commercialappeal.com:
The giant pandas at the Memphis Zoo are attracting attention from onlookers
and researchers.
http://www.wjtv.com/story/23454979/biofuel-researchers-recruit-memphis-zoos-pandas-in-their-work





National





EPA Restarts Stalled Drive to Improve Water Protection


Bloomberg
By Mark Drajem - Sep 17, 2013
The Environmental Protection Agency restarted efforts to expand and clarify

federal oversight of streams and waterways, after a previous drive provoked

a backlash from representatives of farmers and home builders.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-17/epa-restarts-stalled-drive-to-improve-water-protection.html








EPA moves to clarify Clean Water Act protections; GOP lawmaker slams effort



Washington Post


By Lenny Bernstein, Published: September 17

The Environmental Protection Agency moved Tuesday to clarify Clean Water
Act protections for small streams and wetlands that had been thrown into
question by Supreme Court decisions over the past decade.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/epa-moves-to-clarify-clean-water-act-protections-gop-lawmaker-slams-effort/2013/09/17/dca51106-1fda-11e3-94a2-6c66b668ea55_print.html





EPA looks to clarify regulations on streams
The Hill
By Julian Hattem - 09/17/13 05:50 PM ET


Environmental regulators are starting work on broad new rules about the
number of streams, brooks and ponds they are able to regulate.
On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it was
releasing a draft report from its independent science advisory board
showing the way that smaller estuaries, wetlands and other bodies of water
are related to larger lakes and rivers.
http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/energyenvironment/322833-epa-looks-to-streams-brooks-for-regulations




Obama's climate plans to get airing in Congress


By DINA CAPPIELLO and JOSH LEDERMAN — The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's plans to curb the gases blamed for

global warming are heading to their first test, a House hearing in which

administration officials make their case before skeptical lawmakers.



http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/18/4959990/obamas-climate-plans-to-get-airing.html





EPA chief to Congress: Obama's climate plan protects economy
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 09/17/13 05:06 PM ET


On Wednesday Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy
will try and politically preempt GOP allegations that the White House
climate plan will hurt the economy.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/322809-epa-chief-to-congress-obamas-climate-plan-protects-economy-


Energy Secretary: 'The basic science behind climate change is simple'
The Hill
By Ben Geman - 09/18/13 08:38 AM ET


Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz will testify Wednesday about the White House
climate policy agenda, but he'll clear his throat by telling Republicans
that the debate about whether climate change is real is over.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/322919-energy-secretary-the-basic-science-behind-climate-change-is-simple



Action by EPA on biofuels could head off legislation: lawmaker
Reuters

Tue, Sep 17 2013

By Ayesha Rascoe



WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As the United States gets closer to being unable to
meet federal biofuel targets, a regulatory adjustment would lessen the need
for legislation to change the nation's renewable fuel policy, said a
lawmaker who is examining the future of the ethanol program.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/17/us-usa-congress-biofuels-idUSBRE98G1C620130917





State Environmental Regulators Agree To Work With EPA on Data-Sharing

System

Tuesday, September 17, 2013





Bloomberg




By Anthony Adragna



Sept. 16 --The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) unanimously

endorsed an Environmental Protection Agency initiative that would create a

web-based portal to allow regulated entities to apply for permits, check

their compliance status, report air emissions, and learn about new

regulations.http://www.bna.com/state-environmental-regulators-n17179877111/




The Wildcatter: Corpus Christi's Gregg Robertson, key member of Eagle Ford


discovery, named 2012 Newsmaker of the Year



Geologist's eye for detail key in Eagle Ford discovery




Corpus Christi Caller


By Mark Collette


Originally published 09:00 p.m., December 29, 2012
Updated 09:11 a.m., December 30, 2012


CORPUS CHRISTI — The brown boxes sat like building blocks stacked 15 feet

high in endless rows of towering metal shelves at a University of Texas

research campus in Austin.Hidden here was the final piece of the puzzle

that would change South Texas forever.

http://www.caller.com/news/2012/dec/29/the-wildcatter-corpus-christis-gregg-robertson/





Rediscovery of rare mineral deposit by WMU geologists and private company

could boost Michigan economy

Yvonne Zipp

September 10, 2013 at 9:05 PM



KALAMAZOO, MI – You've heard of shovel-ready projects?

Western Michigan University's Michigan Geological Repository for Research

and Education, working in conjunction with the company Michigan Potash,

said that it has rediscovered a mineral deposit in West Michigan

potentially worth billions of dollars that could establish Michigan as a

leading U.S. supplier of a key fertilizer used by farmers worldwide.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2013/09/wmu_geologists_and_private_fir.html#incart_river






Opinion





SUN HERALD | Editorial: Katrina spending and budget hearings underscore
need for mandatory audits


Quite a few eyebrows were raised by recent reports of how Mississippi has

spent billions of dollars and will spend hundreds of millions of dollars

more in Katrina-related federal assistance.

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/09/17/4959291/sun-herald-editorial-katrina-spending.html







Press Releases





Change of Command for Mississippi Valley Division

VICKSBURG, Miss., September 17, 2013 - In a formal change of command
ceremony, Major General John W. Peabody will transfer command of the
Mississippi Valley Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to Brigadier
General Peter A. "Duke" DeLuca, Tuesday, September 24. The ceremony will
be officiated by the Corps' Chief of Engineers, Lieutenant General Thomas
Bostick, and will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the Vicksburg Convention
Center.

Maj. Gen. Peabody, MVD Commander and President of the Mississippi River
Commission since November 2011, has been assigned as the Deputy Commanding
General for Civil and Emergency Operations for the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. DeLuca comes to Vicksburg from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where he
is the Commandant of the United States Army Engineer School, United States
Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence. He has also served as the
Commanding General of the Corps' North Atlantic Division in Brooklyn, New
York.

As MVD Commander, General DeLuca will be responsible for the Corps water
resources programs in a 370,000-square-mile area that includes portions of
12 states; its boundary extends from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
District offices are headquartered in St. Paul, Rock Island, St. Louis,
Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans.

In addition, General DeLuca will be president-designee of the Mississippi
River Commission, the presidentially appointed agency that oversees the
comprehensive Mississippi River and Tributaries flood control and
navigation project, as well as the entire Mississippi River and its
tributaries.


-end-






SOUTHEAST DIESEL COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421,
harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
ATLANTA – Today at the Southeast Diesel Collaborative (SEDC) 8th Annual
Partners Meeting in Atlanta, GA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Region 4 Acting Deputy Regional Administrator Beverly Banister and
Office of Transportation and Air Quality Deputy Division Director Jim
Blubaugh, on behalf of the SEDC, presented the SEDC Leadership Awards to
the 2012 winners. The awardees are:


Saddle Creek Logistics Services, Lakeland, Florida - SEDC Industry
Leadership Award for


• Purchasing 40 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks in 2011 and an
additional 62 CNG trucks by the end of 2013, which represents an investment
of $17 million in a cleaner fueled fleet,
• Positioning the entire company owned fleet of 300 trucks to be operating
on CNG by 2014,
• Reducing fuel use by limiting truck speeds to 65 miles per hour,
implementing idle reduction measures, optimizing performance through
satellite monitoring, using tire auto-air inflation systems, adding trailer
skirts to improve tractor aerodynamics, improving truck utilization, and
continuous driver training.


The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) - SEDC Community Leadership Award for


• Installing 24 electric rubber tire gantry cranes with plans to have all
169 GPA cranes electrified by 2022, to make GPA the first North American
port to introduce this cleaner and more efficient technology,
• Installing automatic equipment stop/start units on 11 legacy switch
locomotives,
• Reducing truck congestion and improving efficiency by installing an
automated gate system and extending gate hours,
• Reducing fuel use by 290,860 gallons and 3,347 tons of harmful air
emission annually by these efforts.

The Mecklenburg County, NC GRADE Program - SEDC Visionary Champion
Leadership Award for


• Successfully completing 176 retrofit and replacement projects during the
five years since GRADE was launched in 2007 with an initial $500,000
investment by the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners,
• Leveraging $2 million for projects, including U.S. EPA and Department of
Transportation funding, to replace or retrofit construction, mining,
forestry and airport equipment,
• Implementing the first airline rebate program in the US, reducing over
349 tons of nitrogen oxides from 66 pieces of ground support equipment at
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.


The efforts by Saddle Creek Logistics Services, the Georgia Ports
Authority, and the Mecklenburg County, NC GRADE Program demonstrated
exemplary leadership in the use of latest clean diesel technologies, and
serve as a role model for others to follow in effective collaboration and
partnership to reduce diesel emissions.


This is the fifth year the SEDC Leadership Council has presented the
Leadership Awards to recognize exemplary projects in emissions reductions
in EPA Region 4. Nominated parties are judged on their effectiveness in
meeting the SEDC's goal to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines
and the work done in several sectors to reduce these emissions. Previous
years' winners include United Parcel Service, Coca Cola Enterprises, Ingram
Barge Company, Staples, North Carolina Solar Center, Hartsfield-Jackson
Atlanta International Airport, Miami-Dade County, Florida Government,
Alabama Department of Transportation, and Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition.


Organized in early 2006 by EPA Region 4, the Southeast Diesel Collaborative
has enjoyed unprecedented success in bringing together leaders from
federal, state and local governments, organizations, industry and academia
to reduce diesel engine emissions across the eight southeastern states.
Focused on promoting energy independence, a cleaner environment and
growing, sustainable economies, this partnership offers wide ranging health
and economic benefits to the public fleet, freight and non-road sectors.


The Southeast Diesel Collaborative is part of EPA's National Clean Diesel
Campaign, a program combining regulatory measures with voluntary
initiatives to reduce the pollution emitted from diesel engines across the
country. Visit the Southeast Diesel Collaborative website at:
www.southeastdiesel.org.


Connect with EPA Region 4 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/eparegion4


And on Twitter: @USEPASoutheast



###








EPA and Ad Council Launch New Public Service Announcements to Prevent
Asthma Attacks
Release Date: 09/17/2013
Contact Information: Dale Kemery (News media only) kemery.dale@epa.gov
202-564-7839 202-564-4355 EN ESPAÑOL: Lina Younes younes.lina@epa.gov
202-564-9924 202-564-4355


WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has partnered
with the Ad Council in a national campaign to educate parents and children
with asthma about simple steps they can take to prevent asthma attacks.


Although asthma is widespread, affecting nearly 26 million Americans of all
ages and races, public awareness of common asthma triggers and effective
asthma management strategies remains limited. Approximately seven million
children in the United States have asthma, with poor and minority children
suffering a greater burden of the disease. Through this campaign, EPA and
the Ad Council will raise awareness and educate families on what they can
do to help reduce asthma attacks.


Through a series of public service announcements (PSAs) featuring a band of
puppet characters called "The Breathe Easies," this campaign uses online
videos, radio PSAs and Web banners featuring songs about asthma triggers.
The songs were written and recorded by YouTube star and singer-songwriter
Parry Gripp. "The Breathe Easies" – the world's first asthma-centric rock
band –delivers messages about environmental triggers in a trio of songs.
Viewers and listeners are informed about ways to prevent asthma attacks
such as cleaning up mold, not smoking in the house and vacuuming the floor.
By knowing their triggers, people can take simple steps to avoid them,
which can greatly improve their asthma management.


"Too many Americans, particularly children, minorities and people living in
poverty suffer from asthma, spending their time at doctor visits and
hospitals instead of at school, work and play," said Janet McCabe, acting
assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "By working
together with the Ad Council and other partners in communities across the
country, we can make a real difference in the lives of millions of
Americans dealing with asthma."


"This campaign is a wonderful and entertaining continuation of our efforts
with EPA to reduce asthma attacks in children," said Peggy Conlon,
President and CEO of the Ad Council. "The brilliant collaboration between
Barbarian, Buck and Parry Gripp yielded a unique and lovable campaign that
will appeal to both parents and children and, ultimately, help eliminate
more asthma triggers in the home."


The new radio and web PSAs, available in both English and Spanish, will be
made available to media outlets nationwide. The PSAs are an extension of
the EPA and Ad Council Childhood Asthma Campaign first launched in 2001.
Since the campaign's inception, the percentage of parents who feel they can
make "a lot of difference" in preventing asthma attacks has risen from 49
percent to 67 percent, according to the Ad Council's tracking system.


For more tips about preventing asthma attacks, visit the campaign website
www.noattacks.org.


To learn more about asthma and environmental triggers, visit
www.epa.gov/asthma.


###

News Clippings 9/17/13

9/17/13



Oil Spill





Blood tests show elevated health risks for Gulf spill cleanup workers
Posted on September 16, 2013 at 11:01 pm by Jennifer A. Dlouhy


Houston Chronicle




People hired to clean up Gulf of Mexico beaches and marshes during the 2010
oil spill have significantly altered blood profiles that put them at
increased risk of developing liver cancer, leukemia and other disorders,
according to a report published Tuesday.
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2013/09/16/blood-tests-suggest-elevated-health-risk-for-spill-cleanup-workers/





State





Canebrake road damaged
Hattiesburg American


A 30-foot crack running across the top of Canebrake Lake Dam does not

appear to have affected the integrity of the structure, but the roadway

will remain closed for repairs likely until the end of the week.

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20130917/NEWS01/309170014/Canebrake-road-damaged







5 injured in Wayne Co. oil well explosion
Hattiesburg American


Officials are trying to piece together what caused an oil well explosion

that injured five workers Monday morning in Wayne County.

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20130917/NEWS01/309170009/5-injured-Wayne-Co-oil-well-explosion







Oil well explosion near Waynesboro injures 5

The Associated Press

September 16, 2013 at 3:09 PM



WAYNESBORO, Mississippi -- Five workers have been injured in an explosion

at an oil well near Waynesboro.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/09/oil_well_explosion_near_waynes.html#incart_river





Mississippi officials say unspent Katrina money targeted

The Associated Press

September 16, 2013 at 5:23 PM



JACKSON, Mississippi -- Mississippi officials said millions of dollars in

federal aid still unspent years after Hurricane Katrina doesn't spell

trouble with the recovery effort, disputing a watchdog report that found

among things that jobs' creation was still lagging at the Port of Gulfport.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/09/mississippi_officials_say_unsp.html#incart_river





Gulf Regional Planning Commission sets public meetings in Pascagoula, Ocean

Springs for review of 'Plan for Opportunity'

Mississippi Press

September 16, 2013 at 2:11 PM



GULFPORT, Mississippi -- A consortium led by the Gulf Regional Planning

Commission and other community partners is nearing the completion of the

region's first ever comprehensive sustainability plan, the Plan for

Opportunity.

http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/09/gulf_regional_planning_commiss.html#incart_river





Budget hearings: 2 state agencies actually request less
Clarion Ledger


Leaders of several state agencies asked lawmakers for more money on Monday,

the start of annual budget hearings before the Joint Legislative Budget

Committee.

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130917/NEWS01/309170019/Budget-hearings-2-state-agencies-actually-request-less







Regional





EPA finds 'severe deficiencies' with Louisville's air-monitoring network;
state issues second failing audit
Courier-Journal


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed "severe

deficiencies" in Louisville's air monitoring network(Embedded image moved

to file: pic19895.jpg), even as state officials have issued another new

audit that finds more problems with local air pollution data.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130916/NEWS01/309160075/EPA-finds-severe-deficiencies-Louisville-s-air-monitoring-network?nclick_check=1







National






Methane emissions from onshore natural gas drilling found lower than
estimates



Washington Post


By Steven Mufson,

A new study by the University of Texas at Austin shows that methane
emissions from onshore natural gas drilling are much lower than previous
estimates, in part because of the effectiveness of techniques required by
the Environmental Protection Agency for completing a well and bringing it
into production.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/study-finds-methane-emissions-from-onshore-natural-gas-drilling-lower-than-estimates/2013/09/16/6913c4c0-1f09-11e3-94a2-6c66b668ea55_print.html





Study: Natural gas industry can cut fracking emissions


USA Today


The booming U.S. production of natural gas can be less

environmentally harmful than estimated if gas companies take certain

steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions, says a major study Monday

that was done with industry participation.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/16/natural-gas-industry-fracking-methane-greenhouse-gas-emissions/2811193/







U.S. Overstates Leaks by Gas-Drillers, Says Study

University of Texas Researchers Challenge Methane Emissions by Fracking

Wall Street Journal


Natural-gas drilling sites aren't leaking as much methane into the

atmosphere as the federal government and critics of hydraulic fracturing

had believed, according to the first study of emissions at multiple

drilling sites.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323981304579079400039800412.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5







California poised to become first state to impose full ban on lead bullets


Fox News


California is on the verge of becoming the first state to impose a full ban
on hunting with lead bullets -- with environmentalists and gun-rights
advocates squaring off as Gov. Jerry Brown decides whether to sign the
legislation.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/09/16/california-poised-to-be-first-state-to-impose-statewide-ban-on-lead-bullets/?intcmp=latestnews


Press releases





EPA Marks Pollution Prevention (P2) Week with Renewed Emphasis on Reducing
Carbon Pollution

WASHINGTON — During Pollution Prevention (P2) Week, September 16-22, the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages Americans to prevent
or reduce pollution at the source. This year's pollution prevention week
comes just three months after President Obama's speech at Georgetown
University where he outlined his Climate Action Plan to reduce carbon
pollution that causes climate change.

In addition to the Climate Action Plan, which outlines a number of common
sense steps the administration is taking to reduce carbon pollution like
increasing renewable energy and fuel efficiency, there are also a number of
steps Americans can take to reduce carbon pollution:

Save energy and money: Look for the Energy Star label to find energy
efficient electronics and appliances, which can save up to $400 a year per
household on energy bills and reduce carbon pollution from power
generation. http://www.energystar.gov/

Find a fuel efficient car — Public transit or biking to your destination
makes the most sense for the environment and your pocketbook, but the EPA
Green Vehicle Guide can help you choose a more fuel efficient car and
reduce air pollution from emissions and save money at the gas pump. The
program also certifies fleet vehicles for commercial use
http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/Index.do, http://www.epa.gov/smartway

Pollution prevention week focuses on other ways to protect the environment.
In addition to reducing carbon pollution, Americans can reduce pollution
by:

Saving water: Look for the WaterSense label to find water efficient
products, which can save over 5,000 gallons of water per year per household
and keep water supplies at safe levels. Lower water levels can contribute
to higher concentrations of natural and human pollutants.
http://www.epa.gov/watersense

Picking safer products: Look for EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE)
Safer Product Label on more than 2,500 products for home and industrial
use. Choosing DfE-labeled products can prevent 40 pounds of potentially
harmful chemicals from being released into a home and the environment.
http://www.epa.gov/dfe

Using pesticides properly: If you need to manage pests in your home or
garden, be PestWise– you'll reduce risk to health and the environment from
chemicals and save money with informed strategies.
http://www.epa.gov/pestwise/live/index.html

Helping green the playing field — EPA just launched a new Green Sports
Resource Directory to help teams, leagues, facilities and fans green the
sports community. Visit the site to learn if your team is going green and
check back often— the page will continually be updated with new stats,
environmental victories and information. http://www2.epa.gov/green-sports

EPA also maintains the Greener Products Portal to help consumers, as well
businesses, and institutional buyers identify greener, safer and more
efficient products. The portal features all of EPA's eco-labeling
partnership programs, whose standards are based on scientific expertise and
use the best available data. http://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts

Each year, EPA's grant-funded pollution prevention programs alone report
reductions in hazardous emissions by hundreds of millions of pounds, save
hundreds of millions of gallons of water , save tens of millions of
dollars, and reduce a million or more metric tons of carbon pollution
equivalent that would otherwise contribute to climate change. The savings
from new results usually continue for years into the future, so the
cumulative impacts of these pollution prevention efforts over time become
even more significant.

By being aware of how we generate pollution in our daily lives and taking
steps to reduce impacts – by making greener product choices, and adopting
commonsense and cents-saving measures— we can each reduce our environmental
footprints and collectively improve the health of our communities and
country.

Connect with EPA on social media for more P2 tips everyday, look for
#P2Week and join the #SaferProducts Twitter Chat by following @EPAlive on
Tuesday September 17th at 2pm.

More on pollution prevention, P2 Week, and EPA's P2 programs:
http://www2.epa.gov/p2week

More on President Obama's Climate Action Plan:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/president27sclimateactionplan.pdf





September's Adventure Quencher:
Seaside with a Scientist


MOSS POINT, Miss. - In honor of National Estuaries Day, the Mississippi
Department of Marine Resources' Grand Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve is hosting a special Seaside with a Scientist adventure on
Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. until noon.

The event is free, and visitors will travel by boat through an estuary to
several habitats and observe firsthand how the reserve's scientists conduct
their research in the field. Scientists will be stationed on the boat, in
the water, in the marsh and on land to demonstrate their sampling
techniques. Participants also will learn how they can use the information
that the scientists collect to help protect our estuaries and other coastal
habitats.

Those who want to participate are encouraged to pre-register because space
is limited. Please call the reserve at 228-475-7047 or email the education
coordinator at jen.buchanan@dmr.ms.gov to reserve your spot today.
Everyone on this adventure will be required to wear a lifejacket. We have a
large number of adult lifejackets but parents are encouraged to bring
lifejackets for their children. Please wear closed-toed shoes—no
flip-flops. Check out our website, www.grandbaynerr.org , for directions to
the site.

National Estuaries Day is celebrated every year on the last Saturday in
September. To learn more about what you can do to celebrate National
Estuaries Day check out this website:
http://estuaries.noaa.gov/GetInvolved/Default.aspx?ID=153

The Grand Bay NERR is located in southeast Jackson County and includes
wetlands and waterways from Bang's Lake to the Alabama state line. The
18,000-acre reserve is home to several rare or endangered plant and animal
species and serves as an essential nursery habitat for numerous important
commercial and recreational fish species. The Reserve is managed through
state-federal partnership between the DMR and its local
partners—Mississippi Secretary of State's Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Mississippi State University and the Nature Conservancy—and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing,
protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all
marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas
to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and
economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and
social changes. Visit the DMR online at www.dmr.ms.gov.