News Clippings 10/24/14

10/24/2014



State





Hazardous waste drop-off set for Saturday in DeSoto County




Henry Bailey Jr.
Commercial Appeal



DeSoto Environmental Services manager Ray Laughter and solid-waste officer


Craig Howell got an early jump on Saturday's Household Hazardous Waste Day


drop-off.


http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/local-news/desoto/hazardous-waste-dropoff-set-for-saturday-in-desoto-county_17910526








Oil Spill





BP Shouldn't Get Trial on Spill Ruling, Halliburton Says


Bloomberg


By Margaret Cronin Fisk and Laurel Brubaker Calkins - Oct 24, 2014


BP Plc (BP/)'s bid for a new trial over causes of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico

oil spill should be rejected because the judge didn't rely on excluded

testimony, Halliburton Co. (HAL) said in court papers.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-10-23/bp-shouldn-t-get-new-trial-on-spill-ruling-halliburton-says.html





Jobs for South Mississippians is groups' focus in spill-restoration
projects
Jobs for Coastians is groups' focus in spill-restoration projects
Sun Herald

BY KAREN NELSON






GULFPORT -- Ways to connect local workers with the oil spill-restoration

effort led the discussion at a workshop Thursday that attracted

representatives from groups across the northern Gulf Coast.

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/23/5872971_jobs-for-south-mississippians.html?sp=/99/184/&rh=1




Use of BP oil spill money for Alabama convention center challenged in

lawsuit

The Associated Press

October 23, 2014 at 3:59 PM



BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- An environmental group filed suit Thursday to block a

decision that would let Alabama use nearly $60 million in Gulf oil spill

funds to build a beachfront convention center.

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2014/10/use_of_bp_oil_spill_money_for.html#incart_river





Regional





Gulf Council splits red snapper recreational sector; angler-rights group

promising litigation

Press-Register

Jeff Dute

October 23, 2014 at 3:28 PM



MOBILE, Alabama -- The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved

an amendment splitting the red snapper recreational sector into two

components.

http://www.al.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2014/10/gulf_council_approves_splittin.html#incart_river





National





EPA review board finds 'strong scientific support' for water rule
The Hill




The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) water rule passed a crucial
test Thursday, gaining the approval of the agency's internal review board.
http://thehill.com/regulation/221637-epa-report-finds-strong-scientific-support-for-water-regulation





EPA considers prohibiting use of 72 chemicals in pesticides
The Hill




The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to remove 72 chemicals
form the list of substances that can be used as ingredients in pesticides.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/221673-epa-considers-prohibiting-use-of-72-chemicals-in-pesticides





University of Pittsburgh study correlates autism with air pollution
By Andrew Goldstein / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


Little research has been done on the effects of air toxics on autism

spectrum disorders, but a new University of Pittsburgh study may show why

those effects could have a big impact.

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2014/10/22/University-of-Pittsburgh-study-finds-links-between-childhood-autism-and-air-toxics-during-pregnancy/stories/201410220161







EU agrees to 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions


AP


BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders agreed early Friday to cut

greenhouse gas emissions in the 28-nation bloc to at least 40% below

1990 levels by 2030.



http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2014/10/23/eu-reaches-deal-to-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions/17811637/





Opinion





Tort Blowout Preventer

An opportunity for the Supreme Court to clarify class-action law.


Wall Street Journal


The 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill was a disaster for local businesses and the


environment but also the best thing ever to happen to the trial lawyers who


continue to exploit the accident for fun and profit. Now the Supreme Court


has an opening to impose discipline on the class-action lawsuit industry by


forcing the tort bar to prove its claims.




http://online.wsj.com/articles/tort-blowout-preventer-1414106822







Press Releases





USDA INVESTS $7.49 MILLION IN MISS. CHOCTAW & RURAL SCOTT CO. WATER,

WASTEWATER SYSTEMS



USDA Rural Development Approves Grant-Loan Awards for Infrastructure

Projects





WASHINGTON, D.C. – Water and wastewater infrastructure systems serving the

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and rural areas of Scott County are in

line to receive almost $7.5 million in improvements from the U.S.

Department of Agriculture, U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today

reported.





Cochran, the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, on

Thursday said that USDA Rural Development has approved a $4.13 million

grant-loan package for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to improve

wastewater treatment. Another $3.36 million grant-loan award is being

issued to H&H Water Systems to upgrade water service to residents in the

Harperville and Hillsboro areas of Scott County.





"Communities rely on good water and wastewater services to improve public

health and quality of life for their residents. These USDA awards will not

only improve services, but also help the Mississippi Band of Choctaws and

rural areas of Scott County meet increasingly strict health and

environmental regulations," Cochran said.





The Mississippi Band of Choctaws is receiving a $3.98 million Native

American grant and $154,000 loan to repair and replace components

throughout its wastewater system, including improvements to the headwork

and influent pump station.





The water system serving Harperville and Hillsboro area residents will be

improved through a $2.46 million grant and $896,000 low-interest loan to

install a 750 GPM well, construct an elevated 250,000-gallon water tank and

perform other work to improve the distribution system.





The awards to Mississippi are directly linked to the USDA Water and Waste

Disposal Loan and Grant Program included in the rural development title of

the 2014 farm bill, the five--year agriculture and nutrition policy measure

that became law in February. In addition to being a primary negotiator in

finalizing the new farm bill, Cochran serves on the Senate Agriculture

Appropriations Subcommittee.





The 2014 farm bill authorized the USDA Water, Waste Disposal and Wastewater

Facility Grants and Loans program to provide grants, loans and loan

guarantees to public agencies for projects that support the development,

storage, treatment, purification, or distribution of water or the

collection, treatment, or disposal of waste in rural areas.





###







EPA Proposes to Remove 72 Chemicals from Approved Pesticide Inert
Ingredient List


WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting
public comment on a proposal to remove 72 chemicals from its list of
substances approved for use as inert ingredients in pesticide products.


"We are taking action to ensure that these ingredients are not added to any
pesticide products unless they have been fully vetted by EPA," said Jim
Jones, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention. "This is the first major step in our strategy to
reduce risks from pesticides containing potentially hazardous inert
ingredients."


EPA is taking this action in response to petitions by the Center for
Environmental Health, Beyond Pesticides, Physicians for Social
Responsibility and others. These groups asked the agency to issue a rule
requiring disclosure of 371 inert ingredients found in pesticide products.
EPA developed an alternative strategy designed to reduce the risks posed by
hazardous inert ingredients in pesticide products more effectively than by
disclosure rulemaking. EPA outlined its strategy in a May 22, 2014 letter:
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0558-0003 to
the petitioners.


Many of the 72 inert ingredients targeted for removal, are on the list of
371 inert ingredients identified by the petitioners as hazardous. The 72
chemicals are not currently being used as inert ingredients in any
pesticide product. Chemicals such as, turpentine oil and nitrous oxide are
listed as candidates for removal.


Most pesticide products contain a mixture of different ingredients.
Ingredients that are directly responsible for controlling pests such as
insects or weeds are called active ingredients. An inert ingredient is any
substance that is intentionally included in a pesticide that is not an
active ingredient.


For the list of 72 chemical substances and to receive information on how to
provide comments, see the Federal Register Notice in docket #
EPA-HQ-OPP-2014-0558. To access this notice, copy and paste the docket
number into the search box at: http://regulations.gov. Comments are due
November 21, 2014.


General information on inert ingredients can be found at:
http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/inert-ingredients-overview-and-guidance
.




EPA Invites Communities to Apply for Assistance to Build Resilience, Pursue
Revitalization

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today invited
communities to apply for technical assistance to implement smart growth
development approaches. EPA is offering this technical assistance through
the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program to help communities
across the country, including underserved communities, coastal communities,
small cities and rural areas, adopt sustainable growth strategies.
The program aims to increase resilience to natural disasters and strengthen
the economy while protecting human health and the environment. The Building
Blocks program provides quick, targeted technical assistance to communities
using tools with demonstrated results and widespread application.

Communities may apply for assistance on one or more of the following
topics:
• Bikeshare planning
• Equitable development
• Infill development for distressed cities
• Sustainable strategies for small cities and rural areas
• Flood resilience for riverine and coastal communities

If selected, a community will work with an EPA-supported team of experts
during a one-to-two-day workshop, where participants will learn about
relevant strategies, policies, and practices.

EPA will select up to 25 communities through a competitive process.
Selections will be made in collaboration with the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of
Transportation through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. This
interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in
infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for
communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently.

Applications will be accepted between October 23and November 20, 2014. EPA
will host a webinar to discuss the program and the application process on
Thursday, October 30, 2014, from 3 to 4 p.m. EDT.

Since the Building Blocks program launched in 2010, EPA has provided
assistance to 131communities. In 2013 in Denver, Colo., EPA worked with the
local community, stakeholder groups, and the city to help develop a plan to
expand the existing bikeshare program to serve lower income neighborhoods
around the Denver metro region. In 2013, EPA also worked with Beaverton,
Ore. to identify how to incorporate green infrastructure techniques into
Beaverton's urban renewal plan. Beaverton subsequently received a $1
million HUD Sustainable Communities Planning Grant, which is enabling
implementation of recommendations made during the Building Blocks workshop.

More information on the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities
program: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/buildingblocks.htm

More information on the webinar:
http://www.epa.gov/dced/webinars/index.html

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/partnership/index.htm



Republican Governors Speak Out Against Expanded Federal Regulation of
Waters and Wetlands


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Twelve Republican governors released statements today

voicing their opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

proposal to redefine the "waters of the Unites States" in the Clean Water

Act. The governors' comments shed light on serious concerns relating to

EPA's attempt to vastly expand federal jurisdiction over the nation's

waters and wetlands, including adverse impacts to state economies;

confusion over the proposal's application; and federal encroachment on

state decision-making. The governors' remarks also reveal that state

leaders are voluntarily engaging in successful efforts to safeguard their

water resources and improve water quality.







Alabama, Governor Robert Bentley:

"The proposed rule will hurt the Alabama economy and, as Governor of

Alabama, I will continue to fight the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers from harming Alabama families and businesses. The proposed rule

is a federal encroachment on states' rights, forcing us to comply with

Washington mandates that surpass federal powers. At its core, the proposed

rule lacks an adequate basis in science as well as sufficient state input.

In a rush to promulgate the proposed rule, the EPA and Corps made at least

two significant errors, first failing to consult with states on the need

for the rule and its potential ramifications, and secondly failing to

obtain and incorporate necessary scientific research into the rule's

development. As a result of this fundamentally flawed process, the

agencies have proposed a fundamentally flawed rule. This rule far exceeds

the limitations on federal regulatory authority set forth in the Clean

Water Act and threatens large-scale economic harm. Specifically, the rule

will impose large costs on many Alabama industries — especially the

agricultural, building, and mining sectors. These three industries account

for many of the jobs lost in Alabama over the past five years and further

cuts will jeopardize Alabama's recovery. Even if the EPA does not enforce

the proposed rule to its foreseeable scope, third-party efforts may expand

the regulation to an unforeseeable scope and an uncertain future. I

support efforts to protect our environment, including the abundance of

waterways in Alabama. In fact, under my direction, the state is collecting

and analyzing data and coordinating with stakeholders in an effort to

better understand and safeguard our water resources. The EPA and Corps

should engage in similar actions before pursuing this rule further. I urge

the EPA to listen to the concerns of Republican governors, and work with us

on a solution that is best for our states."







Idaho, Governor Butch Otter:

"The Environmental Protection Agency claims it only wants to 'clarify' what

waterways and bodies of water fall within its regulatory jurisdiction under

the Clean Water Act. But that's just semantics. In reality, the EPA is

checking every nook and cranny of the United States for opportunities to

expand its influence in the name of protecting us. If you're a property

owner, or if your livelihood depends on the ability to keep pursuing

traditional uses of water in your area, you should be as worried as I am

about how the EPA is using its rulemaking process to identify 'Waters of

the United States' — or WOTUS — over which it can expand the federal

government's reach and control."







Indiana, Governor Mike Pence:

"Congress did not intend for the Clean Water Act to apply to every instance

where a drop of water touches the earth. There are limits on federal

authority, and the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have overreached

with their proposed Waters of the United States rule. They should withdraw

the proposed rule and engage in a serious conversation with the states

about where the lines of federal jurisdiction end and states' authority

over their own waters begins."







Iowa, Governor Terry Branstad:

"State of Iowa leaders care deeply about improving water quality and that

is why we are so concerned about that this Federal rule, which is a

one-size-fits-all approach that will create unnecessary barriers for the

advancement of conservation, water quality and economic development

projects throughout the State of Iowa. States, not the Federal government,

are best positioned, and in fact authorized by Congress, to lead water

quality policies. We appreciate the bipartisan concerns voiced in the U.S.

House of Representatives and the unanimous bipartisan concerns from the

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to stop this rule,

as it threatens to halt innovative and science-based initiatives like

Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy."







Louisiana, Governor Bobby Jindal:

"It is tough to make a living as a farmer and this proposed rule will make

it even tougher. Costs will go up, and the aggravation of dealing with

federal regulations will increase. Agriculture is an $11.6 billion industry

in Louisiana, and this rule will harm it. The rule will also impede the

economic development and rapid growth we have seen in our state over the

last six years by tying up key job-creating projects in new red tape with

no legitimate policy purpose. We know what is best for our state when it

comes to water policy — not Washington bureaucrats. The Obama

Administration needs to put farmers and our economy ahead of its liberal

agenda and withdraw this rule."







Mississippi, Governor Phil Bryant:

"The proposed rule to change the regulations for the federal Waters of the

US could have a detrimental effect on Mississippi's sustainable economic

vitality. The impact of the new definition of Waters of the US on the

critical economic drivers in our state, especially agriculture and

forestry, could have far reaching impact on our state's rural areas as well

the towns and cities those industries support. The Clean Water Act is not

just about water; it is about people. Mississippians take conservation of

our natural resources seriously. But the proposed changes could stifle

innovative conservation initiatives and finding creative solutions. The

proposed rule does not provide clarity and certainty for the people who

daily use and protect Mississippi's waters and would, in fact, introduce

confusion and bureaucratic delays for the people who drive Mississippi's

economy while conserving our resources."







Nebraska, Governor Dave Heineman:

"In Nebraska, farmers and ranchers are concerned about federal

overregulation, particularly EPA's proposed rule to expand its jurisdiction

over Waters of the United States through authorities granted to it under

the Clean Water Act. There is a very serious concern that this proposed

rule would overregulate ditches and ponds, and places where water pools

during rainfall events. Nebraskans support clean water and clean air, but

EPA's overreach is a significant threat to the success of Nebraska

agriculture."







North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory:

"Such dramatic expansion of federal authority over a state matter must come

from Congress, not a federal agency acting alone. This proposed rule will

impose burdensome and overreaching regulations, hindering the work and

livelihood of North Carolina farmers, landowners and others."







North Dakota, Governor Jack Dalrymple:

"If the EPA's intent in drafting this rule was to clarify the Clean Water

Act, they have failed miserably. Instead, the draft rule is filled with

vague language that would give the EPA greater authority to define what

constitutes navigable water. As written, this proposed rule would

drastically expand the EPA's authority to include virtually all surface

water, including seasonal streams, ponds and dry ditches. It is a clear

example of government overreach and it's unworkable for our farmers,

ranchers and other landowners."







Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin:

"The proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, as currently

written, will unnecessarily burden our economy, strain development in

Oklahoma and will not improve water quality. Oklahoma has made great

strides to voluntarily improve water quality through local implementation

of Farm Bill provisions and Section 319 of the Clean Water Act programs.

This proposal makes the development rights of Oklahomans more ambiguous,

rather than providing the common sense and clarity necessary for our

citizens. If the current proposal moves forward, it will harm development,

cause construction delays of critical infrastructure, and burden our

farmers and ranchers. The current proposed rule creates more confusion and

should not be made permanent. EPA and the Corps of Engineers must consult

with the states in order to develop a workable solution."







Utah, Governor Gary Herbert:

"The Clean Water Act clearly establishes the state's preeminent role in

protecting its water and I am proud of the job we have done. Utah has a

long history of successfully managing, protecting and monitoring its water

resources. Utah regularly monitors and assesses the health of nearly 15,000

stream miles and 132 lakes. We protect our waters through more than 3,000

active discharge permits. Since the early 1980s, Utah has invested over $1

billion in wastewater treatment infrastructure and other water quality

projects. My administration works closely with all stakeholders to protect

Utah's precious water resources and maintain a vibrant economy. As

governor, I have met with farmers, ranchers, community leaders and citizens

regarding their concerns over water, and have made tough, even unpopular

decisions, that I felt were needed to protect the rights of those with

limited means to defend themselves in court."







Wyoming, Governor Matt Mead:

"The EPA and Army Corp of Engineers have overstepped with this proposed

rule, ignoring state sovereignty and more than 100 years of law. This is in

essence another regulatory power grab of unprecedented magnitude. The

proposal should be withdrawn."







###



http://www.rga.org/homepage/republican-governors-speak-out-against-expanded-federal-regulation-of-waters-and-wetlands/

News Clippings 10.23.14

10.23.2014



State





EPA's as bad as the British pre-1776, Mississippi governor tells Columbus


conference


Columbus Business Journal


The governor of Mississippi brought some Southern angst against the federal
government to Columbus.
Gov. Phil Bryant said a proposed U.S. EPA water rule is akin to the
British's ability to search homes in the colonial era without warrants, a
tactic that in part led to the American Revolution.
http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/ohio-energy-inc/2014/10/epa-s-as-bad-as-the-british-pre-1776-mississippi.html?s=print





Pearl truck stop gets electrification center

WLBT


PEARL, MS (Mississippi News Now) -The Flying J Travel Center in Pearl
celebrated the grand opening of the state's first Idle Air System. Truckers
can now turn their engines off while they sleep, thanks to this new
service.

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/26869901/pearl-truck-stop-gets-electrification-center



SCUA working out the wrinkles
Stone County Enterprise



By Jody O'Hara
Oct 16, 2014, 10:30



As the Stone County Utility Authority transitions from construction
projects to actual service provider, glitches in the system are discovered.

http://www.stonecountyenterprise.com/article_2325.shtml



MDOT Teams With Sheriff's Department to Tackle Trash



WTOK


Meridian, Mississippi Lauderdale County's Sheriff's Department has another
tool(Embedded image moved to file: pic03548.jpg) to put inmates to work
helping clean up our community.
http://www.wtok.com/home/headlines/MDOT-Teams-With-Sheriffs-Department-to-Tackle-Trash-280145062.html



DeSoto Co. holds Household Hazardous Waste Day
The Associated Press



HERNANDO, MISS. — DeSoto Environmental Services manager Ray Laughter and

solid-waste officer Craig Howell are getting ready for Saturday's Household

Hazardous Waste Day drop-off.

http://www.sunherald.com/2014/10/23/5871247/desoto-co-holds-household-hazardous.html?sp=/99/184/218/




Gasoline spill closes street near Walmart



Pontotoc Progress





A gasoline spill at Murphy's Gas Station in front of Walmart in Pontotoc

caused police to close the station Wednesday (today) afternoon until a

cleanup crew could arrive at the site, said Pontotoc Police Chief Randy

Tutor.

http://pontotoc-progress.com/2014/10/22/gasoline-spill-closes-street-near-walmart/






GSD honored for its energy conservation





Grenada Star





The Grenada School Board last week received an update on a grant that is

providing vocational training and academic assistance to students and

received an award, on behalf of the district, for saving money through

energy conservation.

http://www.grenadastar.com/contentitem/380747/1218/gsd-honored-for-its-energy-conservation






MSU researchers looking at safe handling of radioactive materials


by MBJ Staff
Published: October 23,2014

STARKVILLE — If released in significant quantities, radioactive materials
pose a potential threat to people and the environment. Now, new research at
Mississippi State University is helping the nuclear industry ensure that
radioactive materials continue to be safely contained and that standards of
safety are continuously improved.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/10/23/msu-researchers-looking-safe-handling-radioactive-materials/



Currier: Ebola is low-risk, but training, preparation ongoing


by Associated Press

JACKSON — State health officials say they are keeping Mississippi hospitals
and medical facilities up-to-date on Ebola identification and treatment.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2014/10/22/currier-ebola-low-risk-training-preparation-ongoing/




Oil Spill







Officials take patient approach to oil spill fine money

Daily Comet


By Xerxes Wilson
Published: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 10:06 p.m.



Local officials are taking a patient approach to spending money being

allocated for the 2010 BP oil spill.

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20141022/ARTICLES/141029852/1320?Title=Officials-take-patient-approach-to-oil-spill-fine-money






BP blames damage to La. oyster beds on Jindal's actions


WWL


NEW ORLEANS — In its latest effort to portray itself as the victim

of overzealous damage claims in the wake of its 2010 oil spill off

Louisiana, BP blames damage to oyster beds on Gov. Bobby Jindal's

"misguided decision… to divert fresh water from the Mississippi

River to the Gulf" and argues the oil giant "should not be

accountable for damages caused by the acts of others."



http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/22/bp-blames-jindal/17750587/







RESTORE webinar outlines Florida's restoration goals

Panama City News Herald


By VALERIE GARMAN


October 22, 2014 at 20:08 PM.



PANAMA CITY — With the deadline looming to submit projects for funding

consideration under a portion of the RESTORE Act, the Florida Department of

Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission joined forces for a public webinar Wednesday to review the

state's restoration goals.


http://www.newsherald.com/outdoors/restore-webinar-outlines-florida-s-restoration-goals-1.390676





Regional





Corn Belt Pollution: Louisiana Shrimp And Oysters Pay The Price
National Geographic


The Croatian Pride pushes off the dock and cuts slowly through the grey

Gulf of Mexico, its engine growling. The air hangs thick and steamy, and

the movement of the 40-foot oyster boat brings relief as it breezes past

marshy areas where blue herons stand sentinel. The boat's captain, John

Tesvich, is a fourth generation oysterman, but on this early fall day, it's

journalists, not oysters, that he's hauling.

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/10/21/corn-belt-pollution-louisiana-shrimp-and-oysters-pay-the-price/







New $3.7B gas line proposed for Ala., Ga., Fla.


AP


ATLANTA – A proposal to build a $3.7 billion pipeline system

carrying natural gas into Florida is raising complaints from Georgia

residents — including media mogul Ted Turner — who say they'd face

environmental costs while others get the benefits.



http://www.clarionledger.com/story/money/business/2014/10/22/new-b-gas-line-proposed-ala-ga-fla/17757177/





National





Energy group: Midterm voters dislike EPA climate rule
The Hill




The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) climate rule is particularly
unpopular in heavy coal production states that would be hit the hardest, a
new industry-backed study finds.
http://thehill.com/regulation/221530-study-finds-epas-climate-rule-unpopular-with-midterm-voters





Fracking Companies Become Victims of Their Own Success

Drillers Rethink Operations as Glut in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale


Reduces Gas Prices


Wall Street Journal


By ERIN AILWORTH


Oct. 22, 2014 12:53 p.m. ET


Drillers for Pennsylvania's natural gas are facing a growing threat—from


their own productivity.


http://online.wsj.com/articles/fracking-companies-become-victims-of-their-own-success-1413996836






Press Releases





USDA Launches Site to Provide Climate Information to Producers



Earlier today, the USDA Climate Hubs web site was launched. The new site
provides a portal for farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and others to
find useful, practical information to help cope with the challenges and
stressors caused by a changing climate. The site provides resources related
to drought, fire risks, pests and diseases, climate variability, and heat
stress, and links users to the network of USDA conservation programs and
resources that provide producers with technical and financial assistance to
manage risks.


Each region also has its own site. For more information, see the "USDA
Climate Hubs Website: Connecting Stakeholders to the Hubs" blog.

News Clippings 10/22/14

10/22/14



State





North Lee issue addressed: Tupelo leaders favor legal action, water


upgrades


By Robbie Ward



Daily Journal



TUPELO – City Council approval Tuesday for possible legal action against a

rural water association serving parts of the city followed support for

making $11.3 million in water and sewer infrastructure improvements in

related annexed areas.

http://djournal.com/news/north-lee-issue-addressed-tupelo-leaders-favor-legal-action-water-upgrades/




Innovative aquaculture program grows oysters

WLOX




A seafood dealer in Pass Christian is testing a new method for growing
oysters. It involves raising oyster larvae in large tanks, then
transplanting the young oysters onto reefs. The process is called remote
setting and it's proven successful on both the East and West coasts. The
big question now is: How will it work in the Mississippi Sound?
http://www.wlox.com/story/26844426/innovative-aquaculture-program-grows-oysters





OYSTER AQUACULTURE PROJECT HOPES TO JUMPSTART PRODUCTION

MPB


Mississippi's oyster harvest has fallen 84 percent in the past decade. As
MPB's Evelina Burnett reports, a Pass Christian oyster processor is trying
to reverse that trend.
http://www.mpbonline.org/blogs/news/2014/10/22/oyster-aquaculture-project-hopes-to-jumpstart-production/





Petal OKs wastewater study


Hattiesburg American


Petal's Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday night to give

Hattiesburg-based wastewater management company Earthworx LLC the

green light to proceed with a study tailored to the city's

wastewater treatment needs.



http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/petal/2014/10/21/petal-oks-wastewater-study/17698943/





Starkville Debris Removal Waivers


WCBI


Starkville, Mississippi (WCBI) – Starkville aldermen approve several debris
removal waivers for residents still cleaning up from the October 13th storm
that hit the city.
http://www.wcbi.com/wordpress/starkville-debris-removal-waivers



County, city work to improve creek banks

Meridian Star

By Terri Ferguson Smith

Wednesday, October 22, 2014




Homeowners along part of Robbins Creek will get to hang on to more of

their back yards after county and city efforts have stopped some of the

erosion.

http://www.meridianstar.com/news/article_7b4c3e26-5999-11e4-a5c8-6b7c5ef88a6c.html





Oil Spill





BP takes another shot in bid to delay seafood claims payments

Jennifer Larino



The Times-Picayune



October 21, 2014 at 8:01 PM



BP has asked a federal judge to delay a second round of oil spill payments

to seafood workers, arguing that there are still problems within the

compensation program.

http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2014/10/bp_takes_another_shot_in_bid_t.html#incart_river





National





US energy-related carbon emissions rose in 2013, feds say
The Hill




Energy-related carbon emissions rose 2.5 percent in 2013, according to the
Energy Department's stat shop.
http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/221398-us-energy-related-carbon-emissions-rose-in-2013-feds-say





EPA Carbon Standards for Modified Plants Impose Double Regulation,

Utilities Say

Tuesday, October 21, 2014



Bloomberg



An Environmental Protection Agency proposed rule that would require

modified and reconstructed power plants to meet two different carbon

dioxide emissions standards under separate provisions of the Clean Air Act

is illegal, states and industry groups said.



http://www.bna.com/epa-carbon-standards-n17179897251/





Is EPA's inspector general overstepping with review of fracking regs?



Washington Post


The Environmental Protection Agency's inspector general said Tuesday that


he will move forward with a review of pollution risks from hydraulic


fracturing, despite objections from lawmakers who say he is overstepping


his bounds.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2014/10/21/is-epas-inspector-general-overstepping-with-review-of-fracking-regs/






High pollution levels found near Ohio gas wells

The Associated Press



October 21, 2014 at 4:24 PM



CLEVELAND (AP) — A study in a rural Ohio county where oil and gas drilling

is booming found air pollution levels near well sites higher than those in

downtown Chicago.

http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/10/high_pollution_levels_found_ne.html#incart_river





Dentists brace for new EPA pollution rules
The Hill




Dentists are facing new pollution rules from the Environmental Protection
Agency that could cost the industry millions of dollars to comply with.
http://thehill.com/regulation/221376-dentists-facing-new-pollution-rules





Opinion





No, BP Didn't Ruin the Gulf
Politico
By GEOFF MORRELL
October 21, 2014


Ongoing litigation and political wrangling over the Deepwater Horizon
accident have generated considerable speculation about the size of the
potential financial penalties facing BP, how much money will go to the Gulf
Coast states and how the states will spend the money. Lost in all that is a
more fundamental question: What impact did the spill actually have on the
Gulf Coast environment?
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/10/gulf-coast-recovery-expectations-112088.html#.VEeujvmjNcY





Press Releases






EPA Launches a Voluntary Star-Rating Program to Reduce Pesticide Drift and
Protect People,Wildlife and the Environment


More stars equals greater potential for reducing spray drift


WASHINGTON-The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a new
voluntary Drift Reduction Technology (DRT) program to encourage the use of
verified, safer pesticide spray products to reduce exposure and pesticide
movement while saving farmers money in pesticide loss.


"Every year state and local agencies receive thousands of complaints about
the impacts of pesticide drift on people, wildlife and plants," said Jim
Jones, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention. "Our new star-rating system of products and
technologies will help farmers reduce drift, protect neighbors and reduce
costs by keeping more of the pesticide on the crop. We hope the new
voluntary DRT will encourage the manufacture, marketing and use of safer
spray technology and equipment scientifically proven to reduce pesticide
drift."


One to ten percent of agricultural pesticide sprays drift or move from the
intended target crop. Every year about 70 million pounds of pesticides
valued up to $640 million are lost to pesticide drift. And, state agencies
use substantial resources each year investigating drift complaints. Farmers
have long been concerned about reducing pesticide product loss during and
after application to crops and minimizing drift to neighbors.


DRT is a voluntary program that encourages manufacturers to test their
technologies (such as nozzles, spray shields and drift reduction chemicals)
for drift reduction potential. EPA encourages pesticide manufacturers to
label their products for use with DRT technologies. The four DRT ratings
represented by one, two, three or four stars are awarded for technologies
that demonstrate at least 25 percent reduction in potential spray drift
compared to the standard.


Spray technology manufacturers interested in participating in EPA's DRT
program may now submit data verifying their technology reduces pesticide
movement. EPA will evaluate each data submission and, if appropriate,
assign a drift-reduction star rating to the product based on its ability to
reduce spray drift. EPA will post these ratings at:
http://www2.epa.gov/reducing-pesticide-drift .


A pesticide manufacturer can choose to label a product for use with a DRT
of a particular rating after receiving approval from EPA.


Over time, the program will move the agricultural sector toward the
widespread use of low-drift technologies. Drift-reduction ratings could
appear on pesticide labels as early as fall 2015.


Additional information on EPA's DRT Program, including how to test
technologies, is available at: http://www2.epa.gov/reducing-pesticide-drift
.