G7 Ise-Shima Summit May 26-27

 

This is the last post. WIMS has now closed all operations. I will be blogging about broken government and related matters @ http://jpmcjefferson.blogspot.com

<> G7 Ise-Shima Summit May 26-27 - The G7 Ise-Shima Leaders' Declaration includes a section on "Climate Change, Energy, Environment" [see page 26] -- ". . .we reaffirm not only our continuous commitment in our global efforts against climate change, but also our determination to maintain the momentum of COP21 and ensure swift and successful implementation of the Paris Agreement including the long-term aims on mitigation, adaptation, and finance. . ." All G7 documents from Ise-Shima Remarks by President Obama in Press Availability -- Ise-Shima, Japan Greenpeace Critical of G7 Climate Communique - Greenpeace says the Communique does not address climate change quickly enough considering the level of the crisis.

House moves toward conference committee on sweeping energy bill

<> House moves toward conference committee on sweeping energy bill - The House took a step Wednesday toward forming a conference committee on a wide-ranging energy bill -- lawmakers voted 241-178 to pass an amended version of the Senate's energy bill -- the House replaced the Senate measure with its own energy legislation passed last year and attached to it numerous other, mostly Republican, energy and natural resources bills Comprehensive Energy Reform Marks Another Milestone - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) spoke in favor of the House amendment to S. 2012, the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 -- will move important provisions of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act, which passed the House last December S.2012 - Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 Roll Call vote on amended S.2012 Pelosi Statement on LGBT Discrimination Amendments on Energy & Water Bill - the outcome of three amendments regarding LGBT discrimination offered in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill BCSE Statement on House Passage of Energy Legislation API welcomes House action to move comprehensive energy bill

House Clears Monumental Update to Chemical Safety Laws

<> House Clears Monumental Update to Chemical Safety Laws - The House of Representatives today (5/24/16) passed a landmark bicameral, bipartisan overhaul of our chemical safety standards -- the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act passed the House by a vote of 403 to 12 -- for over three years, the committee has examined the Toxic Substances Control Act and has conducted nine hearings examining all aspects of the laws shortcomings -- the bill passed is the product of months of bipartisan House and Senate negotiations. Fact Sheet & Background H.R.2576 - Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act EDF Applauds House Passage of Bi-Partisan Chemical Safety Reform Congress Moves Forward on Overhaul of Toxic Substances Control Act

EPA's Newest Environmental Justice Strategy Available for Public Review

<> EPA's Newest Environmental Justice Strategy Available for Public Review - Article by Charles Lee is the Deputy Associate Assistant Administrator for Environmental Justice at EPA about the EJ 2020 Action Agenda (or EJ 2020). EJ 2020 Action Agenda - public comment period from May 23 to July 7, 2016 -- also two webinars scheduled for Thursday, June 2nd from 2 to 3:30 EST, and June 7th, from 3:00 to 4:30 EST EPA Commits to Strengthen Enforcement for Communities Hit Hardest by Environmental Injustice

Lessons Learned From Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident - Phase 2 Report

<> Lessons Learned From Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident - Phase 2 Report - The Phase 2 report from the National Academies of Sciences provides findings and recommendations for improving U.S. nuclear plant security and spent fuel storage as well as re-evaluates conclusions from previous Academies studies on spent fuel storage safety and security -- the report from Phase 1 of this study was released in July 2014.  NAS Report on NRC's Deficient Spent Fuel Pool Regulation Echoes UCS Criticisms

Humans damaging the environment faster than it can recover, UN finds

<> Humans damaging the environment faster than it can recover, UN finds -Degradation of the world's natural resources by humans is rapidly outpacing the planet's ability to absorb the damage, meaning the rate of deterioration is increasing globally, the most comprehensive environmental study ever undertaken by the UN has found. Landmark UNEP Assessment Puts State of the World's Environment under the Microscope - Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-6): Regional Assessments, six separate reports provide highly detailed examinations of the environmental issues affecting each of the world's six regions: the Pan-European region, North America, Asia and the Pacific, West Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa.

Warming due to carbon dioxide jumped by half in 25 years

<> Warming due to carbon dioxide jumped by half in 25 years - Human activity  has increased the direct warming effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere by 50 percent above pre-industrial levels during the past 25 years, according to NOAA's 10th Annual Greenhouse Gas Index -- In 2015, the global average CO2 concentration reached 399 parts per million, increasing by a record amount of almost 3 ppm -- from the end of the Ice Age to the beginning of the industrial era, atmospheric carbon dioxide remained remarkably stable at 278 ppm. NOAA's Annual Greenhouse Gas Index

Future power sector carbon dioxide emissions depend on status of Clean Power Plan

<> Future power sector carbon dioxide emissions depend on status of Clean Power Plan - Trends in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from electricity generation through 2040 depend significantly on whether or not the Clean Power Plan (CPP) rule issued last August by the U.S. EPA is implemented -- analysis in the U.S. Energy Information Administration Annual Energy Outlook 2016 (AEO2016) examines what the CPP could mean for the fuels used to generate electricity, especially coal -- two AEO2016 cases: The Reference case assumes implementation of EPA's final CPP rule, while the No CPP case assumes the rule, enforcement of which is currently on hold pending judicial review, does not ever come into effect.

D.C. Appeals court delays action on Obama's carbon emissions plan

<> D.C. Appeals court delays action on Obama's carbon emissions plan - 5/116/16. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Monday delayed consideration of a challenge by 27 states to President Barack Obama's federal regulations to curb carbon dioxide emissions mainly from coal-fired plants, meaning a decision will not come until after the November presidential election -- it will now hear the case on Sept. 27 -- originally scheduled to hear the case on June 2. DC Court Delays Hearing Over Obama's Carbon Rule. Here's How It Could Actually Speed Things Up - oral argument will be before the en banc court (9 Justices instead of 3) -- the D.C. Circuit functioning as something of a court of last resort with the Supreme Court likely to deadlock 4-4. [includes language of the Order] D.C. Circuit Court Expedites Legal Process for the Clean Power Plan Full D.C. Circuit to Decide Legal Merits of the Clean Power Plan [Previous WIIMS Coverage] U.S. Court of Appeals Rules that Clean Power Plan Will Remain in Effect - State of West Virginia, et al. v. EPA - In the U.S. Court of Appals, D.C. Circuit, Case No. 15-1363, consolidated with many others.

FACT SHEET: U.S.-Nordic Collaboration on Climate Change, the Arctic, and Clean Energy

<> FACT SHEET: U.S.-Nordic Collaboration on Climate Change, the Arctic, and Clean Energy - The leaders of the United States, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden marked another major milestone in their leadership in the fight against climate change with the release of a U.S.- Nordic Leader Summit Joint Statement.

USDA Releases Results of New Survey on Honey Bee Colony Health

<> USDA Releases Results of New Survey on Honey Bee Colony Health - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) released the results of its first ever Honey Bee Colony Loss survey -- queried more than 20,000 honey beekeepers about the number of colonies, colonies lost, colonies added, and colonies affected by certain stressors and gleans state-level estimates on key honey bee health topics -- developed as part of the " National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators" released last summer Honey Bee Colony Loss survey details National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators Beekeepers Fight EPA on Pesticide Regulation

EPA Releases First-Ever Standards to Cut Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector

<> EPA Releases First-Ever Standards to Cut Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Sector - EPA announced comprehensive steps to address methane emissions from both new and existing sources in the oil and gas sector -- for new, modified and reconstructed sources, EPA is finalizing a set of standards that will reduce methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic air emissions in the oil and natural gas industry; for existing sources, EPA is starting the process to control those emissions by issuing for public comment an Information Collection Request (ICR) that requires companies to provide the information that will be necessary for EPA to reduce methane emissions from existing oil and gas sources. Oil and Natural Gas Air Pollution Standards Regulatory Actions Details - EPA has issued three final rules that together will curb emissions of methane, smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic air pollutants such as benzene from new, reconstructed and modified oil and gas sources, while providing greater certainty about Clean Air Act permitting requirements for the industry. Draft Information Collection Request for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry - EPA issued a draft Information Collection Request (ICR) to require oil and natural gas companies to provide extensive information needed to develop regulations to reduce methane emissions from existing oil and gas sources.  API: Administration's unreasonable methane rules could put shale energy revolution at risk Obama's new oil & gas air pollution rule is a step forward for climate & communities EPA's Oil and Gas Methane Limits Are Crucial Way to Slow the Warming Trend Obama Administration Finalizes Safeguards for Methane Pollution Ceres Commends EPA for First Ever National Rule Today on Methane Pollution

Developing economies in Asia lead projected growth in world energy use

<> Developing economies in Asia lead projected growth in world energy use - World energy consumption is projected to increase by 48% over the next three decades, led by strong increases in the developing world—especially in Asia, according to "International Energy Outlook 2016" (IEO2016), released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) -- IEO2016 presents updated projections for world energy markets through 2040.  International Energy Outlook 2016 (IEO2016)

White House On Efforts Re: Public & Private Building Codes & Standards

<> White House On Efforts Re: Public & Private Building Codes & Standards - Fact Sheet: The impacts of climate change – including hotter temperatures, more extreme weather, sea level rise, and more severe drought – pose significant challenges for buildings and homes, many of which were not built to withstand the future impacts of climate change -- White House hosted a Conference on Resilient Building Codes

States, Cities, Groups Reject SCOTUS MATS Attacks

<> States, Cities, EDF and Others Ask Supreme Court to Reject the Latest Attack against the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards - A coalition of 15 states, five local governments, and leading medical and environmental groups including EDF is asking the Supreme Court to reject the latest in a long line of attacks on the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) U.S. EPA Brief In Opposition Michigan v. EPA SCOTUS docket information Mercury and Air Toxics case resources - All briefs and documents filed in the case

Flint, MI Water Crisis: Wake-up Call for the Country

<> Flint, MI Water Crisis: Wake-up Call for the Country - President Obama's visit to Flint, Michigan this week draws public attention to the nation's water crisis -- an opportunity to set in motion desperately needed reforms and place the water crisis exactly where it belongs: at center stage in the upcoming presidential campaign.

President Obama in Flint: "It's Not Enough Just to Fix the Water"

<> President Obama in Flint: "It's Not Enough Just to Fix the Water" - "I will not rest...until every drop of water that flows to your homes is safe to drink and cook with" Remarks by the President to the Flint Community -- Flint, MI Remarks by the President After Meeting with Federal Responders on the Flint, Michigan Water Crisis Gov. Rick Snyder issues statement about President Obama's visit to Flint Why Congress still isn't helping Flint Michael Moore calls Barack Obama drinking Flint water 'disappointing' Obama fosters hope in Flint, but fears remain

President Obama to Local News Reporters: Give Supreme Court Nominee Judge Garland a Vote

<> President Obama to Local News Reporters: Give Supreme Court Nominee Judge Garland a Vote - President Obama speaks with reporters from around the country about the stalled Supreme Court nomination process for Chief Judge Merrick Garland. The Reviews are In: SCOTUS Nominee Garland Is ''Beyond Reproach'' Now it's Time for a Hearing - 46 Senators, including 11 Republican, have met with President Obama's nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge Merrick Garland – here's what they said

Patricia Espinosa Selected New UNFCCC Executive Secretary

<> Patricia Espinosa Selected New UNFCCC Executive Secretary - The UN Secretary General has concluded the selection process for the next Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC with the selection of HE Patricia Espinosa (Mexico) -- a further announcement will be forthcoming Ban Ki-moon nominates Patricia Espinosa for new UNFCCC climate chief role Mexican ambassador selected as next UN climate chief

President's Weekly Address: It's Time for the Senate To Do Its Job

<> President's Weekly Address: It's Time for the Senate To Do Its Job - In this week's address, the President repeated his call for Republicans in the United States Senate to give Chief Judge Merrick Garland a fair hearing and a vote.

SAB Critical Response To EPA's Draft Fracking Assessment Report

<> SAB Critical Response To EPA's Draft Fracking Assessment Report - In its latest draft, 184-page, Apr 26, document EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) provides its response to EPA's draft "Assessment of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas on Drinking Water Resources (External Review Draft, EPA/600/R-15/047, June 2015)." – SAB: "Most members of the SAB Panel are concerned that these major findings as presented within the Executive Summary are ambiguous and appear inconsistent with the observations, data, and levels of uncertainty presented and discussed in the body of the draft Assessment Report." Background, meetings & documents

Federal Regulators Stand Up for Customers, Fair Electricity Market

<> Federal Regulators Stand Up for Customers, Fair Electricity Market - The Federal Energy Regulatory Committee overturned the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's decision to grant subsidy requests from Ohio-based utility giants AEP and FirstEnergy -- their bailout proposals would have forced Ohio customers to bail out old, inefficient power plants for the next eight years at an estimated cost of $6 billion. FERC Order granting complaint

Moving Forward for America's Drinking Water

<> Moving Forward for America's Drinking Water - Too little water in the West, flooding from extreme weather in the Midwest and Southeast, and the recent water quality issues in Flint, Michigan have rightly focused national attention on America's drinking water -- 300 million Americans depend on 152,000 public drinking water systems and collectively drink more than one billion glasses of tap water each day -- in the coming weeks, EPA will launch a targeted engagement with key state co-regulators, regulated utilities, and nongovernmental stakeholders on priority issues related to implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act.  New study of the science and technology relevant to ensuring the Nation's drinking-water quality Reacting to Flint crisis, EPA launches U.S. drinking water study

Murray Energy Files Petition For MATS Review "Supplemental Finding"

<> Murray Energy Files Petition For MATS Review "Supplemental Finding" - The company filed a petition for review of EPA's final action on April 25, 2016, styled "Supplemental Finding that it is Appropriate and Necessary to Regulate Hazardous Air Pollutants from Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units." 81 Fed. Reg. 24,420 (April 25, 2016). Polluters Continue Legal Challenges over Mercury and Air Toxics Standards - mere hours after supplemental findings for the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards were officially published, the first lawsuit was filed to block them. Final Finding: Consideration of Cost in the Appropriate and Necessary Finding for the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Power Plants Federal Register publication of MATS Final Supplemental Finding

Record Support for Advancing Paris Climate Agreement Entry into Force

<> Record Support for Advancing Paris Climate Agreement Entry into Force - In an extraordinary show of support for the Paris Climate Change Agreement adopted last December, 175 Parties (174 countries and the European Union) signed up to it at a ceremony at UN Headquarters on Apr 22 that far exceeded the historical record for first-day signatures to an international agreement -- the initial step toward ensuring the agreement enters into force -- 30 days after 55 Parties accounting for 55 per cent of global emissions deposit their instruments of ratification --15 States also deposited instruments of ratification.   Previous WIMS Earth Day coverage Ministers Aim to Mobilize $1 Trillion Investment in Solar Energy Bonn Climate Change Conference - May 2016

Paris Climate Agreement on Track for Early Start

<> Paris Climate Agreement on Track for Early Start - As many as 170 countries are expected to sign the Paris Agreement on climate change today in a symbolic triumph for a landmark deal that once seemed unlikely but now appears on track to enter into force years ahead of schedule -- never before have so many countries inked an agreement on the first day of the signing period. High-level Signature Ceremony for the Paris Agreement (Opening/Signing) - 10:00am to 1:00pm approx: Signing ceremony – watch live Guide to the Paris Agreement Signing Ceremony - Today's day-long celebration will mark the opening for signature of the Paris Climate Change Agreement at the United Nations headquarters in New York. More than 160 countries have expressed their intention to sign the agreement The Paris climate accord is about to be signed. Here's what happens next The Signing Of The Paris Agreement: "A Turning Point For Humanity." Obama Administration Urged to Do Fair Share to Fight Climate Crisis UN Environment Programme Executive Director Statement on Paris Agreement Signing